abstract
Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is the term given to a group of clinical conditions which occur due to inadequate protein and calorie intake, especially in children. Protein energy malnutrition is a grave problem in developing countries as pregnant mothers do not eat enough nutrition and healthy food, which puts the baby at a disadvantage even before he/she is born. PEM has been classified in many ways, two important types are; Kwashiorkor and, Marasmus. The term malnutrition generally refers both to under nutrition and over nutrition, but in this guide we use the term to refer solely to a deficiency of nutrition, many factors can cause malnutrition, most of which relate to poor diet or severe and repeated infections, particularly in underprivileged populations. The state of the world's children National Family Health Survey 1993 states that the effects of Protein-Energy Malnutrition are; multi dimensional, which includes reduced activity, reduced growth, increased susceptibility to infection, reduced intellectual capability and performance, reduced work efficiency and increased mortality. A quantitative descriptive research design was conducted. A total of 30 samples were selected by convenient sampling technique. The purpose of the study was explained to the mothers and the level of knowledge was assessed using the semi structured questionnaire. The data were collected and analyzed. The result clearly infers that most of them 46(76.67%) had moderately adequate knowledge and 14(23.33%) had inadequate knowledge about risk factors of protein energy malnutrition among under five mothers. This reveals there is a need for the proper education to the mother that will help in proper growth and development of the children.