Knowledge And Attitude Of Health Workers Towards Infant And Young Child Feeding In Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State:- Ikeorgu-Chike, Amarachi S

ABSTRACT

This study assessed knowledge and attitudes of health workers towards infant and young child feeding practices in Uinuahia North, Local government Area ofAbia State. A cross sectional study design was used; data for analysis were obtained through questionnaire instrument distributed randomly to the health workers. Three hundred and five (305) responses from the questionnaire were gathered and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation. The result showed that; the mean age ofthe health workers was (34.15 ± 9.20), 76.7% ofthe health workers were female, 58.7% married and 41.3% were nurses. It was also found that most (48.2%) healthcare professionals earned N61,000 and above per month. Most (65.9%) of the health workers had good knowledge and positive attitude towards infant feeding of children (0-6 months). Majority (87.9%) of the healthcare professionals had positive attitude towards infant feeding (0-6 months). There was a negative significant association (P < 0.05) between income status and attitude ofhealthcare professionals towards infant and young child feeding. The findings demonstrated the need for healthcare providers to advance in their knowledge in order to disseminate evidencebased information to mothers. It is recommended that there is need to give additional attention to the knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals towards infant and young child feeding.