NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS OF PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED INDIVIDUAL

NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS OF PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED INDIVIDUAL

CHAPITRE ONE

1.0 BEGINNING

1.1 STUDY BACKGROUND

With the degree of exposure and development in knowledge of health, food, and nutrition in Nigeria today, there has been a series of research on the dietary challenges confronting the physically challenged individual (Benton, 2009).

Nutrition is commonly thought to be crucial for physical health, but mental health must be considered as well. Nutrition, along with genetic, socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors, has been demonstrated in research to be one of several factors that may influence a child’s development (Associate Parliamentary & Health, 2008; Bryan et al., 2004). Understanding the association between nutrition and mental performance in children is critical for their academic achievement and productivity in school and subsequently in life (Alderman, Behrman, Lavy, & Menon, 1997; Florence, Asbridge, & Veugelers, 2008). To date, there is a growing body of data indicating nutrition may influence brain development and functioning, which in turn has an effect on mental performance as a functional outcome, particularly during childhood and early adolescence (Benton, 2008a).

A diet high in harmful ingredients or low in essential nutrients is likely to have negative effects on mental outcomes (Associate Parliamentary & Health, 2008), whereas a balanced diet is important for physical and mental health, with implications for school performance (Associate Parliamentary & Health, 2008; Florence et al., 2008). To guarantee the highest potential cognitive development and performance, children should consume a varied diet with good nutritional content on a regular basis (Bellisle, 2004). Because parents are viewed as gatekeepers to a child’s diet and provide the key environment for the development of a child’s eating behaviors (Birch & Davison, 2008; K. A. Brown, Ogden, Vogele, & Gibson, 2008), they are an important group of consumers for nutritional communication via policies, public health intervention programs, and health claims on functional food products. To some extent, parents impact all elements of a child’s life, including the formation of food choices and control over the availability and types of food in the home (R. Brown & Ogden, 2004; Golan & Crow, 2004). Furthermore, parents’ eating habits influence those of their children (Birch & Davison, 2005), therefore the family provides an important environment for young children to learn and establish eating habits and dietary preferences. Other people, such as friends and teachers, become increasingly influential as children grow and attend school (Perez-Rodrigo & Aranceta, 2006), and youngsters gradually become more independent of their parents. Scott-Jones (2004) views the family as one of the key contexts of a child’s development, which includes cognitive growth and success.

STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

The prevalence of disabilities in Nigeria has risen over time; some of the reported causes of disabilities include parental exposure to radioactive sources and the use of medications without visiting a physician. Others may be the result of an accident. All of the following concerns that might create disability in people can deprive or produce nutritional problems in physically challenged people. Second, while there have been several research on nutritional problems, not a single study has been conducted in Nigeria on the nutritional concerns of physically challenged individuals.

1.3 STUDY PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of the research is to look at the nutritional concerns of physically challenged people. Other specific study objectives include:

1. to ascertain the extent to which neglect and isolation influence the nutritional intake of physically challenged people

2. to investigate the impact of family background on optimal nutrition in physically challenged individuals

3. to get an understanding of the situation affecting the physically controlled individual

4. to provide solutions to the aforementioned issues

1.4 QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

The study developed research questions in order to determine the study’s stated aims. The study’s research questions are as follows:

1. How do neglect and isolation affect the dietary intake of physically challenged people?

2. What effect does family background have on effective eating in physically challenged individuals?

3. How can the problems that affect physically challenged people be addressed?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS STATEMENT

1st Hypothesis

H0: Neglect and seclusion have little effect on the nutritional intake of physically challenged people.

H1: Neglect and isolation have an impact on the nutritional intake of physically challenged people.

1.6 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on nutritional problems of physically challenged individuals will be extremely beneficial to physically challenged individuals in Nigeria, the ministry of health, and other researchers who wish to conduct similar research on the above topic because the study’s findings will educate the above population on nutrition, nutritional challenges, and nutritional problems of physically challenged individuals. Finally, the study will add to the body of existing literature and expertise in this field of study and serve as a foundation for future research.

1.7 STUDY SCOPE

The study on nutritional difficulties of physically challenged people will include nutrition, nutritional challenges, and nutritional problems of physically challenged people from 2000 to 2016.

1.8 STUDY LIMITATIONS

Financial constraint- A lack of funds tends to restrict the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection procedure (internet, questionnaire, and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will conduct this investigation alongside other academic activities. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9 TERM DEFINITION

A balanced diet is one that includes all six food groups in the proper proportions.

Unbalanced diet: A diet that does not include all six food groups.

WHO stands for World Health Organization.

Poor Nutrition: The body’s insufficient intake of food nutrients.

Marasmus: A condition caused by eating foods with very little calorific content.

Nutrient value: Calorific value.

Nutrition is the process of supplying or getting the food required for good health and growth.

Physically challenged: insufficient strength, physical or mental capacity