Explain two factors that may account for malnutrition in a population. (4 marks)June/July 2020

There are several factors that may contribute to malnutrition in a population:

1. Poverty: Poverty is a major contributor to malnutrition, as people who are living in poverty may not have access to sufficient quantities of nutritious food.
2. Food insecurity: Food insecurity, which refers to a lack of access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, is a major cause of malnutrition. This may be due to a lack of resources, such as money or transportation, to obtain food, or to a lack of availability of nutritious foods in a given area.
3. Poor dietary habits: Poor dietary habits, such as a lack of variety in the diet or a reliance on unhealthy or low-nutrient foods, can contribute to malnutrition.
4. Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as infections or chronic diseases, may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or utilize nutrients, leading to malnutrition.
5. Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as natural disasters or conflict, can disrupt food production and distribution, leading to malnutrition.
6. Inadequate health care: Inadequate access to health care, particularly for pregnant women and young children, can contribute to malnutrition by preventing the early detection and treatment of health problems that can affect nutrition.