How Ignorance and Poor Socioeconomic cause PEM?

Status Improper childcare, either as a result of lack of knowledge or lack of time for mother, could also contribute to the onset of PEM. PEM is mainly a disease of the poor and downtrodden. The mothers in these families are illiterate, work for their living and are largely influenced by the belief systems of the society, are superstitious and believe in spiritual healing etc. The families are generally large, and even if they spend their complete income on food with low purchasing power they would be unable to meet the requirements.