ABSTRACT

This study assessed the weaning practices among breastfeeding mothers attending Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The research focused on determining the timing of complementary feeding, types of foods introduced, feeding frequency, maternal knowledge, and factors influencing weaning practices. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 159 mothers using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed that although 74.2% of mothers had correct knowledge of the recommended six-month weaning age, only 37.1% practiced timely introduction of complementary foods. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months was reported by 46.6% of respondents, indicating moderate adherence to WHO guidelines. The study also found that cereal-based foods such as pap and millet porridge were the most commonly used complementary foods, while protein and micronutrient-rich foods were less frequently provided. Key factors influencing weaning practices included perceived child hunger, cultural and family influence, maternal workload, and misconceptions regarding breast milk insufficiency. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between maternal education and appropriate weaning practice (p < 0.05). The study concludes that although mothers demonstrate fair awareness of recommended weaning guidelines, a notable gap persists between knowledge and actual practice. Strengthening community-based nutrition education, involving influential family members, and enhancing counselling during antenatal and postnatal visits are crucial for improving complementary feeding practices.

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE.. i

DECLARATION.. ii

APPROVAL PAGE.. iii

DEDICATION.. iv

ACKNOWLEGEMENT. v

ABSTRACT. vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Aim of the Study

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.5 Research Questions

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Limitations of the Study

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Concept of Weaning

2.2 Global Perspective on Weaning Practices

2.3 African Context

2.4 Weaning Practices in Northern Nigeria

2.5 Maternal Knowledge and Socio-Cultural Influences

2.6 Types of Complementary Foods Used

2.7 Feeding Frequency and Methods

2.8 Factors Affecting Weaning Practices

2.9 Consequences of Inappropriate Weaning

2.10 Theoretical Review

2.11 Empirical Review

CHAPTER THREE.. 19

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

3.2 Study Area

3.3 Study Population

3.4 Sample Size Determination

3.5 Sampling Technique

3.6 Data Collection Instrument

3.7 Validity and Reliability of Instrument
3.8 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

3.9 Data Collection Procedure

3.10 Data Analysis

3.11 Ethical Considerations

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 Demographic Variables

4.2 Breastfeeding and Weaning Practices

4.3 Age of Introduction of Complementary Foods (Weaning)

4.4 Knowledge Level of Weaning Recommendations
4.5 Factors Influencing Weaning

4.6 Test of Hypothesis (Statistical Analysis)

4.7 Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of Findings

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations

5.4 Suggestions for Further Study

REFERENCES. 20

APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNAIRE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is widely recognized as one of the most critical determinants of child survival, growth, and cognitive development. In the first six months of life, breast milk provides all the nutrients, immune-protective factors, and bioactive components required to support healthy physiological development (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). After six months, however, breast milk alone becomes insufficient to meet a child’s increasing nutritional needs. At this stage, nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods must be introduced while breastfeeding continues up to 24 months or beyond. This transition, known as weaning, represents one of the most sensitive and nutritionally vulnerable periods in early childhood (UNICEF, 2022).

Globally, inappropriate weaning practices contribute significantly to childhood malnutrition. According to UNICEF (2023), nearly 45% of under-five deaths are linked to malnutrition, much of which arises from poor complementary feeding. In sub-Saharan Africa, timely initiation of complementary feeding remains suboptimal, with many infants exposed prematurely to low-nutrient foods such as thin gruels, water, sugary beverages, and family meals that lack protein diversity (Oluwafemi & Abubakar, 2021). These inappropriate practices predispose infants to infections, growth faltering, micronutrient deficiencies, and long-term developmental deficits. Nigeria carries one of the heaviest burdens of child under nutrition in the world. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS, 2018) shows that 37% of Nigerian children under five are stunted, 22% are underweight, and 7% are wasted. Inadequate complementary feeding remains one of the strongest predictors of these outcomes, as many children are introduced to foods too early, too late, or fed nutritionally poor diets (NPC & ICF, 2019). The northern region, including Jigawa State, consistently records some of the poorest child nutrition indicators due to poverty, food insecurity, low maternal education, cultural influences, and limited access to health education (Ibrahim, Shittu, & Musa, 2022).

Jigawa State is predominantly rural, with high fertility rates, early marriage, and traditional infant-feeding practices that shape mothers’ decisions around weaning. Studies conducted in northwestern Nigeria indicate that mothers frequently introduce water, herbs, pap, or family diets before six months, often due to advice from grandmothers, cultural beliefs about breast milk insufficiency, or maternal workload (Shittu et al., 2024). These practices conflict with WHO recommendations and contribute to high levels of childhood morbidity.

Taura Local Government Area, where this study is situated, is served primarily by the Taura Primary Health Centre (PHC), which provides routine maternal and child health services, including antenatal care, postnatal counselling and immunization. Despite these services, anecdotal reports from health workers suggest persistent gaps in weaning practices among mothers attending the facility. However, there is limited empirical research documenting the timing, type of complementary foods, feeding frequency, and determinants of weaning practices specific to this local context. Understanding these patterns is crucial for designing evidence-based interventions to improve child health outcomes in Taura LGA. This study therefore provides an in-depth assessment of weaning practices among breastfeeding mothers in Taura LGA, Jigawa State, integrating global nutrition standards with local socio-cultural realities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Malnutrition remains a persistent public health challenge in Nigeria, and complementary feeding has been identified as one of the weakest components of infant nutrition practices. The NDHS (2018) reports that only 11% of children aged 6–23 months meet the minimum acceptable diet, reflecting widespread deficiencies in meal diversity, frequency, and nutrient density. In Jigawa State, complementary feeding indicators fall even below the national average, with many mothers initiating weaning either too early (before 6 months) or too late (after 8 months), thereby exposing children to nutritional and immunological risks (NPC & ICF, 2019).

Preliminary observations from Taura PHC suggest that many mothers rely on monotonous diets such as pap (“koko”), millet porridge, and family foods lacking protein, fruits, or essential micronutrients. Cultural norms, limited nutrition education, poverty, and misconceptions such as the belief that breast milk alone is insufficient continue to influence infant-feeding decisions. These poor practices have resulted in recurrent diarrhoea, growth retardation, and hospital visits among children under two years, according to health records from the facility. Despite these challenges, no comprehensive study has examined weaning practices among breastfeeding mothers in Taura LGA. The absence of local, evidence-based data limits the ability of PHC staff, community health extension workers, and policymakers to design targeted interventions. This study addresses this critical knowledge gap by systematically assessing the age of complementary feeding introduction, the types of foods used, mothers’ knowledge levels, and the socio-cultural factors influencing weaning practices.

1.3 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to assess the weaning practices among breastfeeding mothers in Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the age at which mothers in Taura LGA introduce complementary foods to their infants.

2. Identify the types of complementary foods commonly used during weaning.

3. Assess the feeding frequency and methods adopted by mothers.

4. Examine mothers’ knowledge of recommended weaning practices.

5. Determine socio-cultural, economic, and health-related factors influencing weaning practices among mothers.

1.5 Research Questions

1. At what age do mothers introduce complementary foods to their infants?

2. What types of complementary foods are commonly used during weaning?

3. What feeding frequency and methods do mothers adopt?

4. What is the level of knowledge of mothers regarding recommended weaning practices?

5. What factors influence weaning practices among breastfeeding mothers in Taura LGA?

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study carries several important academic, public health, and community-level benefits:

1. Contribution to Academic Knowledge

The study provides empirical evidence on weaning practices in a rural northern Nigerian setting where research is scarce. It expands existing literature on complementary feeding and childcare in low-resource settings.

2. Policy and Health Planning Relevance

Findings will support the Jigawa State Ministry of Health, nutrition planners, and PHC managers in designing targeted interventions aimed at improving infant feeding practices.

3. Improvement of PHC Nutrition Services

Data from the study can strengthen nutrition counselling during antenatal, postnatal, and immunization visits, enabling PHC staff to address culturally-driven misconceptions.

4. Benefit to Mothers and Caregivers

By identifying gaps in knowledge and practice, the study highlights areas where community-based nutrition education is needed.

5. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The study supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting improved child nutrition and reducing preventable childhood illnesses.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is restricted to breastfeeding mothers attending Taura Primary Health Centre in Taura LGA, Jigawa State. It focuses specifically on:

Timing of complementary feeding

Types of weaning foods

Feeding methods and frequency

Maternal knowledge

Determinants of weaning practices

It does not include non-breastfeeding mothers, mothers outside Taura PHC, or clinical nutritional assessments such as anthropometry.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study relies on self-reported data, which may introduce recall bias.

Social desirability bias may affect mothers’ responses.

The cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations.

Findings may not represent all communities in Taura LGA.