Determinants of Infant Feeding Practices among Working and Non-working Mothers in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Growth during the first year of life is greater than at any other time after birth. Good nutrition during this period of rapid growth is vital to ensure that infant develops both physically and mentally to the fullest potential.
Objectives: This study assessed determinants of feeding practices among working class and non-working class mothers in Kano,  Nigeria.
Methodology: Using a comparative cross-sectional study design, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 310 mothers (155 in each group) with their infants' aged 0 – 12 months.
Results: Working mothers had a significantly higher level of knowledge of the recommended infant and young child feeding practices (t=4.69, p <0.001) and overall practice performance score was significantly higher among the working group (t= 3.44 p= 0.001). Up to 94.5% working mothers had good knowledge of recommended infant feeding practices compared to 74.0 % of non-working mothers
(p=0.001). Haven lost a child, currently being married and vaginal delivery were determinants of appropriate feeding practices among working mothers, while formal education, having five or more children and receiving infant feeding advice were determinants among non-working women.
Conclusion: The study found a good knowledge of infant feeding practices among working mothers as compared to the non-working mothers and it also revealed a gap between knowledge and practice of adequate breastfeeding. Context specific health education messages should target both working and non-working class mothers so as to promote, protect and support infant and young child feeding practices in Kano, Nigeria.

Keywords: Infant, feeding practices, mothers, breast-feeding, Kano