Effect of nutrition education intervention on the knowledge, practices, and self-efficacy of lactating mothers with infants 0-12m attending a primary healthcare centre in Mararaba, Nigeria

Abstract

Background
Inappropriate infant feeding practices contribute significantly to malnutrition among under-five children in Nigeria. Despite national efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding, structured postnatal nutrition education remains limited, especially in semi-urban settings.
Objective
This study evaluated the effect of a brief nutrition education intervention on knowledge, feeding practices, and self-efficacy among lactating mothers with infants aged 0–12 months attending a primary healthcare centre in Mararaba, Nigeria.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study involving 100 lactating mothers was conducted. Baseline data on knowledge, practices, and self-efficacy were collected using structured questionnaires. A single-session intervention covering breastfeeding and complementary feeding was delivered, and post-test data were collected three months later. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to assess changes.
Results
Significant improvements were recorded in maternal knowledge, with mean scores increasing from 68% to 100% for breastfeeding and from 40% to 82% for complementary feeding (p = 0.002). Self-reported feeding practices also improved (p = 0.003). However, post-test responses on on-demand breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding duration, and early initiation likely reflected awareness or intention, rather than behavior, due to infant age at follow-up. In contrast, mothers reported introducing foods from at least four food groups and incorporating variety within food groups during complementary feeding, indicating meaningful dietary change. Maternal self-efficacy change was not statistically significant (p = 0.312), though qualitative gains were noted in confidence around meal preparation and hunger cue recognition.
Conclusions
A brief, locally delivered nutrition education session improved maternal knowledge and reported feeding practices. Scaling up such interventions within routine PHC services may support improved infant nutrition in underserved communities.