Peer-reviewed article

Preventing Childhood Malnutrition: The Collaborative Impact of Parental Practices and Community Nursing.

Kappi AA · 1 Jan 2026

Abstract

Introduction Childhood malnutrition remains a critical public health issue worldwide. This study explores the collaborative role of parental practices and community nursing in preventing childhood malnutrition, through secondary analysis of data from national health surveys, community program records, and the peer-reviewed literature. Methods This investigation synthesizes quantitative and qualitative findings to assess how parental knowledge, feeding behaviors, and engagement with community-based nursing interventions collectively influence nutritional outcomes among children under five years of age. Attention was given to specific aspects of collaboration, including the frequency of home visits by nurses, the intensity of parental education, and guided hands-on support for feeding and hygiene practices. Results This study reveals that parental adherence to recommended feeding practices, when supported by regular and structured interactions with community nurses-such as weekly visits, targeted education sessions, and guided meal preparation-significantly reduces the rates of stunting and wasting. The data underscore the importance of integrated strategies, where community nurses not only provide direct nutritional assessment and interventions but also empower parents through targeted education and support. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, the synergy between informed parental practices and proactive community nursing leads to substantial improvements in childhood nutrition, emphasizing the need for policies that strengthen these collaborative frameworks to sustainably combat malnutrition.