Assessment of Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Nigerian Mothers’ Weaning Practice

Abstract

Complementary feeding is an important determinant of child growth and development. The practice of weaning is declining despite efforts at all levels to improve it; and with globalization there is concern of possible drift in the traditional weaning practices among Nigerian mothers. Aim: Assess the socio-cultural factors affecting Nigerian mothers' weaning practice. Subjects and Method: A cross sectional design was conducted on 308 mothers attending at 15 maternal and child health centers in Birnin Kudu Local Government, Nigeria during the researcher visits. Five structured interviews were used to assess sociodemographic and economic characteristics, knowledge, subjective practice, sociocultural factors and attitude of mothers towards weaning practice. Results: More than three fourths (78.9%) of the studied mothers had improper category of subjective weaning practice. Less than half (47.1%) of them denied their children eating egg as part of their taboo practice. There was a statistically significant association between sociocultural factors and mothers' subjective weaning practice. Conclusion: Mothers' knowledge regarding weaning was poor and subjective practices were improper. Majority of them were not aware of the current recommendations of weaning practice. Additionally, there was a statistically significant association between sociocultural factors and mothers' subjective weaning practice. Recommendations: Provide public health educations campaigns to promote optimal weaning practices, especially in woman within the reproductive age group. Health education program should be conducted to enlighten mothers on the effect of socio cultural factors on breastfeeding and weaning practice.