Effect of nutrition education intervention on the knowledge, practices, and self-efficacy of lactating mothers with infants 0-12m attending a primary healthcare centre in Mararaba, Nigeria

BackgroundInappropriate infant feeding practices contribute significantly to malnutrition among under-five children in Nigeria. Despite national efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding, structured postnatal nutrition education remains limited, especially in semi-urban settings.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of a brief nutrition education intervention on knowledge, feeding practices, and self-efficacy among lactating mothers with infants aged 0–12 months attending a primary healthcare centre in Mararaba, Nigeria.MethodsA quasi-experimental study involving 100 lactating mothers was conducted. Baseline data on knowledge, practices, and self-efficacy were collected using structured questionnaires. A single-session intervention covering breastfeeding and complementary feeding was delivered, and post-test data were collected three months later. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to assess changes.ResultsSignificant improvements were recorded in maternal knowledge, with mean scores increasing from 68% to 100% for breastfeeding and from 40% to 82% for complementary feeding (p = 0.002). Self-reported feeding practices also improved (p = 0.003). However, post-test responses on on-demand breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding duration, and early initiation likely reflected awareness or intention, rather than behavior, due to infant age at follow-up. In contrast, mothers reported introducing foods from at least four food groups and incorporating variety within food groups during complementary feeding, indicating meaningful dietary change. Maternal self-efficacy change was not statistically significant (p = 0.312), though qualitative gains were noted in confidence around meal preparation and hunger cue recognition.ConclusionsA brief, locally delivered nutrition education session improved maternal knowledge and reported feeding practices. Scaling up such interventions within routine PHC services may support improved infant nutrition in underserved communities.