Assessment of the acceptance and implementation of child survival strategies among mothers in some selected communities in south-south Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the acceptance and implementation of child survival strategies through knowledge and practices among mothers in some selected communities in south-south Nigeria.

Method: A descriptive survey method was used for the study and Rivers state which is in South-South Nigeria was randomly selected for the pilot study. The study was conducted between September 2021 and August 2023 and a sample size of Six Hundred respondents were randomly selected from the three senatorial districts of Rivers State. The instrument used for data collection was researchers’ constructed questionnaire with 17 items grouped into A and B. Section A contained information on demographic data of the respondents while section B focused on the Knowledge, practices and factors that influenced the acceptance and implementation of child survival strategies among mothers in some selected Local Government Areas in Rivers state. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics of percentages in frequency and tables.

Results: The results of the findings showed a high level of knowledge (100%) and its components like skilled child birth attendance (92%), exclusive breastfeeding (83%), immunization (96%) and family planning (78.5%). Also majority of the mothers actually practiced the components of child survival strategies in this study, except family planning services (16%) despite being in the peak of their reproductive years and already having between four to six children. Other factors such as the attitude of the health workers and educational background of mothers were also identified as barriers to the practice of child survival strategies.

Conclusion: It was therefore recommended amongst others that government at all levels should embark on aggressive health enlightenment campaign to further sustain these practices and also improve the acceptance and implementation of the practices of other child survival strategies yet to be accepted by mothers.