ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the socio-cultural factors and beliefs affecting complementary feeding practice and hygiene practice among mothers in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State. Sample size of 200 was determined and the study used descriptive and cross-sectional using open ended and closed ended questioning , The study includes mothers with children 6-24 months in different health centers in Ikwuano LGA. The study used a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using an open ended and close ended questionnaire. The data obtained was coded into a computer, scored and analyzed with the computer programme of SPSS Statistics version 22. The objectives were analyzed with percentages. The responses of the respondents was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings shows that most of the mothers start complementary feeding as far as the baby starts crawling or when the baby is 7- 9 months old and most of the mothers do not comply and rather start giving liquid and mashed food as early as when the baby is two (2) months of age in some cases. The findings showed that most  mothers said that their grandmother believed  that when children eat too often, it can spoil the stomach and make the body weak. Some of the mothers also says that they feed their child with different food like rice, beans, cocoyam, mio-mio and soup. Other mothers  believe that if you want a child to be strong and healthy, they need to eat staple foods like cassava and plantains. Fruits and vegetables are seen as less important, so I don't always include them in my child’s meals. The study recommends that traditional rulers should leverage on their influence to dispel myths around certain foods like eggs or fish for children, that community leaders should reach out to nutritionist and health care providers to host educational sessions that teach families the importance of nutrient diversity, hygiene in food preparation, and the risks of malnutrition, that engaging health workers to deliver these messages can help increase community awareness and that healthcare providers should ensure that they conduct community sensitization programs to raise awareness on optimal complementary feeding practices and hygiene also the government should establish community support groups for mothers to share experiences and receive guidance.