KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF CARE GIVERS ON INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING IN SABON-GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Nigeria faces a significant challenge in addressing the high prevalence of malnutrition among children, with the country having
the second-highest burden of stunted children globally. In Nigeria, like other countries, understanding the knowledge, attitudes,
and practices of IYCF is essential for designing effective interventions and policies to improve child nutrition. This cross-
sectional descriptive survey study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of IYCF in Sabon-Gari Local
Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting the 356 eligible care-givers
from six wards sabon gari LGA for the study. A quantitative interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising five sections
was used to elicit information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, knowledge and practices of
caregivers towards infant and young child feeding (IYCF), as well as the factors influencing these practices. Respondents'
knowledge was measured using a 9-item scale (poor<3), (fair=4-6), and (good=7-9). Practice was measured on a 5-item scale
(unhealthy practice<4) or healthy practice≥4). The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential (Fisher exact) statistical
analyses at p ≤ 0.05. The mean age of the respondents was 31.54±6.5 with age ranges from 31 to 40 years, Majority (79.3%)
of the respondents had good knowledge regarding IYCF. The majority of participants (95.5%) were aware that breastfeeding
should commence within the first 30 minutes after birth, Similarly, most respondents (91.1%) knew about exclusive
breastfeeding. In terms of actual practice, the study revealed a low prevalence of 39.1% of healthy infant and young child
feeding practices among the respondents. Only a minority practised exclusive breastfeeding, while a significant proportion
introduced complementary foods before the recommended age of six months. The influence of family members on child care,
low breast milk production and education were recognized as factors influencing child-feeding practices. The study outcomes
indicate a discrepancy in knowledge, and practice levels concerning infant and young child feeding in Sabon-Gari Local
Government Area. Caregivers demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and unhealthy practice; however, feeding practices
remained low. To address the risk of malnutrition, it is important to prioritize health promotion and education, awareness
campaigns and the strengthening of antenatal and postnatal care services.