Food Taboos, Herbal Treatment and Infant Mortality in Katsina State, Nigeria

This study examines the relationship between selected food-related cultural practices, herbal treatment, and infant mortality in Katsina State, Nigeria. The analysis is based on a descriptive survey involving women of child-bearing age and health-care providers drawn from Katsina, Daura, and Funtua. A sample of 384 participants was planned, while 302 completed questionnaires were retrieved and used for the quantitative analysis. Questionnaire and key-informant interview data were used to explore feeding practices and the use of traditional medicines in infant care. Regression results indicate that the item measuring traditional liquid feeding was statistically associated with the infant-mortality outcome (p = .003). For herbal treatment, the reported influence of traditional medicine and perceived side effects were also statistically significant (p < .001). The findings should be interpreted as associations rather than proof of causation because the study used a cross-sectional descriptive design and self-reported measures. The results remain important in a setting where Nigeria continues to experience a high burden of infant and under-five mortality. The paper recommends culturally sensitive nutrition counselling, stronger communication between families and health workers, and evidence-based regulation and pharmacovigilance for herbal products used in maternal and infant care.