Assessment of Mothers' Knowledge of Childhood Malnutrition Prevention Practices at Ugbor Primary Health Centre in Benin City, Nigeria

P. G. Dania

Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Benin City, Nigeria.

O. E. Dada

Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Benin City, Nigeria.

M. B. Peter *

Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria and Department of Dietetics, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Aims: To assess mothers' knowledge of childhood malnutrition prevention practices at Ugbor Primary Health Centre, Benin City, Nigeria; identify socio-demographic factors influencing these practices and provide recommendations for targeted interventions.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Ugbor Primary Health Centre (PHC), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, conducted from February 2024 to August, 2024.

Methodology: A total of 167 mothers, aged 18 years and above, attending the immunization clinic were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaire that captured socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of malnutrition, and preventive practices. Descriptive statistics summarized findings, and chi-square tests identified associations between socio-demographic variables, malnutrition knowledge and prevention practices.

Results: The study revealed that 92.7% of participants were aware of childhood malnutrition. The primary sources of information were hospitals (50.6%) and health workers (50.0%). The main causes of malnutrition identified by mothers included poor feeding practices (68.3%), inadequate breastfeeding (73.1%), and lack of balanced diets (62.9%). Regarding preventive practices, 86.2% of mothers ensured their children consumed balanced diets, but only 57.8% practiced exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. Identified barriers to effective prevention included cultural feeding practices (34.1%) and limited access to nutritious foods (41.3%). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between education level and knowledge (P = .02) and between occupation and feeding practices (P = 0.3).

Conclusion: High awareness of malnutrition was observed among mothers; however, gaps in preventive practices persist. Integrating nutrition education into immunization services, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and addressing cultural and resource-related barriers are crucial for enhancing maternal practices and improving child health outcomes.

Keywords: Childhood malnutrition, maternal knowledge, prevention practices, immunization clinics, Edo State


How to Cite

Dania, P. G., Dada, O. E., & Peter, M. B. (2025). Assessment of Mothers’ Knowledge of Childhood Malnutrition Prevention Practices at Ugbor Primary Health Centre in Benin City, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition, 4(1), 28–39. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajfrn/2025/v4i1223

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