INFLUENCE OF MATERNAL OCCUPATION ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF INFANT WEANING AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Maternal knowledge of appropriate infant weaning practices is essential for ensuring optimal growth, cognitive development, and nutritional well-being of infants while reducing their susceptibility to infections and the risk of long-term adverse health outcomes. This study assessed the influence of maternal occupation on the level of knowledge and infant weaning practices among mothers attending welfare clinics in Primary Health Care Centres across the three senatorial zones of Anambra State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed among 260 mothers accessing child welfare services. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. The findings revealed that all respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding infant weaning; however, only a moderate proportion reported appropriate infant weaning practices. Furthermore, no statistically significant association was found between maternal occupation and infant weaning practices (χ² = 2.455, p = 0.484). These findings suggest that although mothers possess adequate knowledge of infant weaning, this knowledge does not consistently translate into optimal practice, irrespective of occupational status. The study underscores the need for sustained health education and behavior-focused interventions aimed at improving the adoption of appropriate infant weaning practices among mothers attending welfare clinics.