Organization:  Adventist University of the Philippines

Background/Context:

“Children growing up in poverty need equalizing investments in their nutrition, health, education, and wellness, in order to reach their full potential as healthy, skilled adults who are able to improve their quality of life. For nearly 30 years, there have been almost no improvements in the prevalence of undernutrition in the Philippines. One in three children (29%) younger than five years old suffered from stunting (2019), being small in size for their age. Moreover, 19% were underweight for their age, and 6% of children below five years old were classified as “wasted,” being underweight for their height. The Philippines is ranked fifth among countries in the East Asia and Pacific region with the highest prevalence of stunting and is among the 10 countries globally with the highest number of stunted children. Based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) classification of undernutrition rates, the stunting prevalence of children in the Philippines is of “very high” public health significance.”

(from Mbuya, Nkosinathi V.N.; Piza, Sharon Faye A.; Adona, Ann Jillian V.. 2021. Undernutrition in the Philippines: Scale, Scope, and Opportunities for Nutrition Policy and Programming. International Development in Focus. © Washington, DC: World Bank.)
See: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35530

Research Question:

What do parents in low resourced neighborhoods think about developing a Bible-based program that teaches practical ways to feed young children as a way to prevent malnutrition?

Study Aims:

1. Assess the nutrition knowledge of parents of young children (age 5 and below).
2. Identify the factors that contribute to malnutrition among families with young children.
3. Solicit feedback from parents about a nutritional education program for young children that incorporates Biblical principles.

Impact:

Participating parents who have limited resources learn practical ways to feed their children, the reason it is important children receive adequate nutrition, and also hear the good news about Jesus.

Open Positions:
1 Research Scholar Consultant – Malnutrition expert to assist with study refinement / data analysis

3 Virtual Research Assistants

• Literature review/ethics review application
• Data management
• Manuscript preparation

Timeline:  September 2024 – August 2025

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