The was located in Enugu State of South Eastern Nigeria and the focus of the study was to examine the knowledge of infant needs. The study population was drawn from five local areas of the state, namely, Nsukka, Enugu North, Udenu, Isi-Uzo, and Igboeze South.
The population of Enugu State in the 2006 exercise was three million, two hundred and fifty-seven thousand, two hundred and ninety-eight (3,257298) persons (FGN, Official Gazette, 2007). The study population consisted of married women of age (18-49) and their husbands aged 18 and above.
The multi – stage sampling approach was adopted in order to select the local government areas, communities, villages, households as well as respondents for the study.
The five local government areas were clustered into communities and from these clusters, two communities were selected from each of the five LGAS through simple random sampling. Three instruments of data collection were used.
These were the questionnaire, focus group discussion guide, and in-depth interview guide. One thousand (1000) questionnaires were distributed to the respondents.
However, nine hundred and seventy – six (976) were validly completed and returned. The questionnaire sought information on the socio-economic and educational status of parents, child mortality, knowledge of infant nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding.
Introduction
Background Of Study
Child health problems constitute the greatest threat to public health in the world today. The world is filled with believers in the importance of good care and attention for children during their earliest months and years (Myers 1992). That widespread belief is embedded in many cultural traditions.
The young child may be seen as a little god-still in a state of relative perfection or as a “little sun” around which the world revolves. Belief in the need for proper care is also grounded in the recognition that children are the next generation, they represent the continuity of tradition as well as the hope for, and fear of change.
There is a need to believe that the children of today can be both a rallying point for social action and the constructors of a better tomorrow. According to Myers (1992) personal experience creates believers in the value of early childhood care and development.
Parents, professionals and others who are simply close observers of how the neighbor’s children grow, recognize the healthy effect of good care and attention to infants and young children.
They do not need an elaborate rationale to justify their personal feeling that rudimentary health precautions and a good diet, combined with smiles, cuddling, talk and play, will enhance a child’s development. Such actions are seen as a good investment of time and money.
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