Knowledge Of Infant Nutritional Needs Among Residents Of Nsukka Cultural Zone Of Enugu State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Most children in Nigeria fall sick as a result of eating inappropriate food for a long period of time. Studies have shown that poor nutrition prevents children and communities from participating fully in social and economic life. In view of the above, the study examined the knowledge of infant nutritional needs among residents of Nsukka cultural zone in Enugu State, Nigeria.. Ten focus group discussions (FGDS) were held with 6 groups of mothers and 4 groups of fathers comprising young and old groups. The data were processed and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (Spss). The study found that many families are not aware that they can mash carrot, potato and cucumber and mix with meat broth and spoon feed their children. The findings indicated that low income groups seem to have more knowledge of infant nutrition than the medium and high income groups, though this relationship is not statistically significant (P? .126) The findings highlighted the need to employ education to correct many of these cultural practices in infant feeding practices mostly found in rural Nigeria.

Key Words: Child health, Nutritional needs, Education, infant mortality, knowledge, malnutrition, The Nigeria.