Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards nutrition radio programmes in mothers of children under five years with severe acute malnutrition in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Although the mass media are increasingly becoming a platform for disseminating health messages to promote attitude and behavioural changes, little is known about how radio programmes influence safe child feeding practices among mothers of infants and children. Consequently, this study examined the knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards food and nutrition radio programmes in mothers of children under five years with severe acute malnutrition in Northern Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a survey research design using data derived from a structured questionnaire undertaken with mothers (N=402) of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and who have been listening to radio programmes on tackling malnutrition within six months to the time of the fieldwork. Results: Findings revealed that while mothers appeared to have a higher comprehension of child feeding programmes on the radio, their attitude and actual uptake of the messages were not encouraging. Furthermore, being young, having few children, having a primary education, and frequent listening to SAM-related messages on the radio were associated with mothers’ positive knowledge, attitude and actual uptake of the messages disseminated. Conclusion: The findings provided a link between demographic characteristics of mothers and how they comprehend, believe and act on the messages they received from these radio programmes. It is therefore argued that the understanding of this link might inform the focus of future intervention aimed at promoting best child feeding practices in Northern Nigeria.