Appraising Maternal and Child Hygiene Practices in Reducing Child Mortality in Ondo State, Nigeria

Child mortality remains a public health concern in Nigeria, and preventable infections are influenced by hygiene, household water and sanitation conditions, maternal knowledge, and access to primary health care. This study appraised maternal and child hygiene practices and their relationship with child mortality reduction in Ondo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study involved 480 pregnant women and mothers of children under five, alongside 50 Registered Community Health Practitioners, selected through multistage sampling across the three senatorial districts. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. The instruments were reviewed by experts, and reliability testing yielded Cronbach’s alpha values above .75. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were used. Maternal responses showed high knowledge of child-mortality prevention (grand mean = 4.16), positive attitudes towards preventive measures (grand mean = 4.16), and frequently reported hygiene-related practices (grand mean = 4.20). Water access, soap and hygiene materials, education, cultural beliefs, and economic constraints were identified as relevant influences (grand mean = 4.07). Responses from 50 Community Health Practitioners indicated a positive assessment of their roles in hygiene education, counselling, home visits, and postnatal supervision (grand mean = 4.34). Regression analyses indicated statistically significant associations between the study outcome and maternal knowledge (β = .654, R² = .428), attitudes (β = .612, R² = .375), hygiene practices (β = .701, R² = .492), contextual factors (β = .638, R² = .407), and practitioner roles (β = .672, R² = .452). The findings underscore the importance of practical maternal-health education, improved water and sanitation access, and stronger primary-health-care outreach. The cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported measures limit causal interpretation; the findings indicate associations rather than direct proof of reduced child deaths.