Knowledge and Practice of Child Survival Strategies among Mothers in a Rural Community in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge and practice of child survival strategies among mothers in a rural community in Delta State Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine how knowledgeable mothers are about child survival strategies as well as the extent to which they practice the child healthcare approach. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 473 mothers out of which a sample of 189 representing 40% of the target group was selected using the simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for the study. The questionnaire consisted of two (2) sections: Section A contained items on socio-demographic data of respondents while section B was made up of 2- point yes/no items reflecting the study variables. Data collection was done following due ethical approval. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 22 and results were presented in tables to allow for better appreciation of study findings. Results revealed that out of the 189 respondents studied, 120(63.4%) had poor knowledge, 39(20.6%) had fair knowledge while 30(16.0%) had good knowledge of child survival strategies; 158(83.6%) practice child survival strategies to a low extent. In conclusion, majority of mothers in rural communities have poor knowledge of child survival strategies which reflects in their little or no practice of the intervention approaches. Based on the study findings, there is the need for heightened health campaign on the benefits of effective practice of child survival strategies as a way of reducing childhood morbidity and morbidity.