Awareness and Recognition of the Signs and Symptoms of Malnutrition Among Mothers of Under-Five Children: Evidence from Western Ghana

Abstract

Early recognition of malnutrition in children is critical to preventing severe health outcomes, yet evidence suggests that many caregivers in low-resource settings are unable to identify its signs and symptoms. This study explored the level of awareness among mothers regarding the physical and behavioral indicators of malnutrition among under-five children at Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital in Western Ghana. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 205 mothers were surveyed through structured questionnaires. The results showed high awareness of weight loss (87.8%) and recurrent diarrhea (70.7%) as symptoms, but low recognition of other key signs such as stunted growth (47.3%), sunken eyes (37.1%), and edema (4.9%). Behavioral signs such as lethargy, irritability, and developmental delays were also poorly recognized. The findings highlight significant gaps in maternal knowledge that may delay early diagnosis and intervention. Strengthening community health education to include symptom recognition alongside feeding practices is essential to improve early care-seeking and reduce childhood malnutrition in rural Ghana.

Keywords: malnutrition, maternal awareness, under-five children, symptom recognition, child health, Ghana, rural healthcare