Personal-Level Disposition as Predictors of Infant-Survival Skills among Nursing Mothers in Selected Primary Health Care Facilities in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background information: Infant mortality is a major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. It was reported that 5.2 million children die before the age of 5 years annually, and 47% of these deaths occur in sub- Saharan Africa alone. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3, aim to reduce under-five mortality to as low as 25 per 1000 live births by 2030. To achieve this goal, interventions that address the underlying factors contributing to infant mortality are necessary. Maternal health, including maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices, is a crucial factor influencing infant survival, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigated the Personal-level Disposition Factors Influencing survival skills among Nursing Mothers in Selected PHCs in Nigeria.  Methodology: The study design adopted for this research project was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 120 respondents who were conveniently selected from two primary health care facilities in Sokoto state with a semi- structured questionnaire (83% reliability). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools.  Result: The results show that all female participants had similar characteristics at a full glance at some areas. The mean age of respondents was 28.32±6.49 years with an age range of 19 to 41 years of age. The Knowledge responses were grouped on a scale and the results showed that most of the respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding infant survival skills. The overall motivation score was moderate. There were significant correlations (at p < 0.05) between knowledge level (R = -0.201), Motivation (R = - 0.170), and Behavioural skills.  Conclusion: The report suggested that there should be an aggressive use of peer educators to expand rural health workers in areas with poor adoption of good health interventions, and low immunization coverage in Northwest of Nigeria.