Knowledge, attitude and determinants of weaning practices amongst nursing mothers in selected communities in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Weaning, the gradual shift from exclusive breastfeeding to complementary feeding, is vital for infant growth. Despite WHO’s six-month exclusive breastfeeding recommendation, only 17% of Nigerian infants are exclusively breastfed and 11% receive a minimum acceptable diet. In Moro LGA, Kwara State, cultural beliefs, poor maternal education, and economic hardship contribute to malnutrition and child morbidity. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and determinants of weaning practices among nursing mothers.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 mothers with children aged 6–24 months. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, observations, and focus group discussions. Multistage sampling was employed, and analysis involved descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression at 5% significance. FGDs accounted for 50 participants (≈10%) while observational accounted for 100 participants (≈20%) of the study. FGD was used to capture cultural influences and observations to help observe households' feeding practices.

Result: Respondents were mostly married (80%), aged 26–35 years (50%), with 20% having no formal education and 40% earning <₦30,000. While 60% identified 4–6 months as the ideal weaning age, 40% held misconceptions. Pap was the most common food (80%), though 20% introduced inappropriate adult foods. Seventy percent initiated weaning at 4–6 months, 85% received antenatal teaching, yet 60% reported cultural influence. Education (χ² = 25.6, p = 0.0002), income (χ² = 18.9, p = 0.0008), and cultural influence were significant predictors. Logistic regression confirmed tertiary education (OR = 2.3), income >₦70,000 (OR = 1.8), and absence of cultural influence (OR = 1.5) as determinants of timely weaning.

Conclusion: Mothers showed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes, but cultural norms, limited education, and low income hinder optimal weaning.