Maternal Health Knowledge, Infant-Feeding Awareness and Hygiene Practices Associated with Child Survival in Ondo State, Nigeria

Maternal health knowledge, infant-feeding awareness and everyday hygiene practices are important components of child-survival efforts, particularly in settings where preventable infections remain a concern. This study examined maternal knowledge and attitudes, selected hygiene and infant-feeding awareness, contextual factors shaping hygiene behaviour, and the contribution of Community Health Practitioners (CHPs) in selected Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in Ondo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used. 500 questionnaires were distributed and 480 were retrieved, representing a 96% response rate. Respondents were drawn from PHC catchment areas in Owo, Akure South and Okitipupa Local Government Areas. Data were analysed with frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and regression analysis. Maternal knowledge recorded a grand mean of 4.16, with immunisation awareness highest among the knowledge items (M = 4.24, SD = 0.88); awareness that exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant-mortality risk also scored highly (M = 4.15, SD = 0.93). Attitudes towards preventive maternal and child-health behaviours recorded a grand mean of 4.16, while reported hygiene practices recorded a grand mean of 4.20. The study reports statistically significant associations between maternal knowledge, attitudes, hygiene practices, contextual factors, CHP roles and child-survival outcomes. The findings point to the value of combining health education with practical support, safe water and sanitation, breastfeeding and infant-feeding guidance, immunisation promotion, and accessible primary care.