Title: Knowledge, Attitude and Perception on Factors Influencing Infant's Development Among Nursing Mothers Attending Primary Health Clinic (PHC) in Egor LGA, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Onoriode Benjamin Akpobasa , Mogbonjubola Oyewumi
Volume: 9
Issue: 12
Pages: 63-70
Publication Date: 2025/12/28
Abstract:
- Background: Optimum growth and development during the early stage of life are dependent on several factors that have an intense impact on health throughout the life span. Aims: The study aimed at assessing knowledge of factors influencing infants' development and practice among nursing mothers attending the Primary Health Centre in Benin City. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among nursing mothers whose children were from 0 to 12 months old attending PHC in Egor LGA, Edo State. Result: The study involved 150 breastfeeding mothers, and the instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with a reliability of 0.775. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: The overall mean knowledge score was 88.8%, with the highest mean knowledge score on environmental factors (91.3%), followed by parents' behavioral and parenting factors (89.5%), social culture factors (86.0%), and nutritional factors (88.3%). 131 (87.3%) demonstrated a high level of practice regarding factors influencing infants' development, while 19 (12.7%) demonstrated a low level of practice. Conclusion: There is adequate knowledge, good perception, and practice but poor attitude regarding factors influencing infant development among nursing mothers. Parents commonly approach nurses when seeking medical assistance. This presents an ample opportunity for community education and discussion of food taboos, especially during conception and in early childhood care.