Nutritional Knowledge and Feeding Practices of Mothers of Under-Five Children in Zamfara State

This study assesses the nutritional knowledge and feeding practices of mothers of under-five children in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. Under-five malnutrition remains alarmingly high in Zamfara State, with wasting, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies consistently documented in health surveys. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets 300 mothers in Gusau and Kaura Namoda local government areas, selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a validated dietary diversity tool. Objectives include assessing maternal nutritional knowledge, examining infant and young child feeding practices, and determining the association between maternal knowledge and child dietary adequacy. Recent literature from North West Nigeria identifies low maternal education, cultural food taboos, and poverty as major barriers to optimal child feeding. Data were analysed using frequency tables, chi-square, and logistic regression. The Social Cognitive Theory provides the theoretical scaffold, recognising self-efficacy and environmental support as determinants of maternal health behaviour. Findings are expected to reveal significant knowledge deficits and suboptimal feeding practices among the study population. Recommendations are addressed to the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs, primary healthcare providers, and Home Economics departments to intensify nutrition education targeting mothers of young children. Keywords: nutritional knowledge, feeding practices, under-five children, maternal education, Zamfara State.