Knowledge Of Infant Nutritional Needs Among Residents Of Nsukka Cultural Zone Of Enugu State, Nigeria (Review Completed - Accepted)
Most children in Nigeria fall sick as a result of eating inappropriate food for a long period of time. Studies have shown that poor nutrition prevents children and communities from participating fully in social and economic life. In view of the above, the study examined the knowledge of infant nutritional needs among residents of Nsukka cultural zone in Enugu State, Nigeria.. Ten focus group discussions (FGDS) were held with 6 groups of mothers and 4 groups of fathers comprising young and old groups. The data were processed and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (Spss). The study found that many families are not aware that they can mash carrot, potato and cucumber and mix with meat broth and spoon feed their children. The findings highlighted the need to employ education to correct many of these cultural practices in infant feeding practices mostly found in rural Nigeria.
Keywords: Child health, Education, Knowledge, Malnutrition, Nutritional needs, The Nigeria, infant mortality