Knowledge and Practice of Under-Two Children Weaning among Mothers Attending Two Primary Health Care Centres in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State

Abstract

The study determined the knowledge and practices of under-two children weaning among mothers attending primary health care centres in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study used descriptive research design. The population for the study was 127 and applying census technique a sample size of 127 respondents was selected from these two primary health care institutions during the period. The instrument for data collection (primary source) was the questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using simple percentage and Chi-square statistics. Findings from the study revealed that the average knowledge level of mothers regarding under-two children weaning was averagely high (75.03%). Mothers' practices regarding under-two children weaning was also high with an average value of 69.82%. The perceived outcome on under-two children weaning practices on mothers and children revealed average value of 59.84%. There was no statistical difference between level of both knowledge and practices of mothers on under-two children weaning in the two centres (p< 0.05). It was recommended that nurses should continue to educate and train mothers on appropriate under-two children weaning practice techniques. Hospitals with government support should regularly organize programmes to educate and train mothers on under-two children weaning to improve their knowledge and practices including publishing of handbooks on them. Awareness on under-two weaning should be raised in children welfare clinics and community centres to improve mother’s knowledge and practices regarding under-two children weaning.