Analysis of the Effect of Urbanization on the Nutritional Status of 0-5 Years Old Children in Nagcarlan, Laguna, 2023

Date

6-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Julieta A. Delos Reyes

Committee Member

Julieta A. Delos Reyes, Agham C. Cuevas

Abstract

The study analyzed the effect of urbanization on the nutritional status of 0-5 year old children in Nagcarlan, Laguna. Primary data were collected from 142 households through questionnaires. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale and Child Dietary Diversity Score were collected to determine the household food insecurity and dietary diversity levels of children. Ordered logistic regression was used to determine the factors affecting child nutrition. Secondary data were also collected by accessing the Barangay Management Information System (BMIS) and e-OPT was used to determine stunting, wasting, and undernutrition among children. Chi-square test was used to test the difference of nutrition status between urban and rural children.

The study found that the majority of children in both urban and rural households had normal nutritional status according to the height-for-age, weight-for-length, and weight-for-age ration. A chi-square test was conducted for all three nutrition indicators using the barangay classification (urban and rural) as the grouping variable. The results of the comparison tests did not provide sufficient evidence to conclude a significant difference in the nutritional status of urban and rural children.

In terms of household food insecurity, it was found that more rural households were food insecure than urban households. It was found that the food insecurity levels were significantly different. In terms if dietary diversity. The food choice behavior and pattern of both the rural and urban communities are relatively similar. Mostly having grains such as rice as a main source of carbohydrates and flesh foods such as chicken and fish as the source of protein.

The ordered logistic regression found that in urban areas, caregiver's health insurance and toilet types were significant factors. Meanwhile in rural areas, the water source was a significant factor. Lastly, a regression with both urban and rural households was also applied to see if urban-rural differences was a factor to child health. It was found that the barangay classification, caregiver's health insurance, water source, toilet type were found to be the only significant factor.

It was concluded that urban and rural classification was a factor to child nutrition in selected areas in Nagcarlan with rural areas having higher levels of nutritional status. However, food insecurity levels were still relatively higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.

The following recommendations were given based on the findings of the study (1) Promoting health insurance awareness in the urban areas of Nagcarlan, (2) Expansion and strengthened local markets in Nagcarlan, (3) Information campaigns for proper IYCF practices and programs on livelihood assistance, and (4) Creating environmental sanitation drives and solid waste management programs.

Language

English

LC Subject

Urban health, Nutrition—Evaluation

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2023 A14 M47

Notes

Viewing access to electronic resources is restricted solely to UP Gmail accounts. Any access and share requests from external organizations and personal email accounts will be promptly declined.

Document Type

Thesis

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS