Socio-Cultural Influence on the Knowledge of Infant Nutrition among Mothers in a Local Council South-East, Nigeria: Implications for Social Work

Abstract

Infant nutrition is crucial for public health since it aids in the prevention of chronic diseases later in life. The study focused on socio-cultural factors influencing the knowledge of infant nutritional needs among mothers in a local council in Southeast Nigeria. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design with 200 participants who were women of reproductive age (18 and older) selected from communities in a local council. The study’s findings show that mothers’ low educational level contributed to low level of knowledge of nutritional needs of infants. The results indicate that most respondents (80.9%) believed that both parents should be well aware of an infant’s nutritional needs in order to achieve excellent feeding practices. The study revealed various behaviors that do not improve adequate feeding practices for infants based on the respondents’ local knowledge, attitude, and beliefs. The study suggests social workers can help pregnant and parenting women eliminate barriers to breastfeeding by engaging them in prenatal care through therapeutic talks, early intervention programs, both in hospitals, and collaboration with families. The study concludes that there is a link between poor nutrition and family breadwinner roles, literacy level, occupation, and income. There is need for future studies that will involve key community figures including mothers, fathers and other community members. This will help in deeper understanding of social and cultural barriers to proper feeding practices in infants and improve better policy interventions and social work practices.