Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Child Nutritional Status Among Mothers in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Child malnutrition remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality among children under five. Maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are key determinants of child nutritional outcomes. Objective: This study assessed maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding child nutrition and examined the nutritional status of children aged 0–59 months in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 mothers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique from four Primary Health Care (PHC) centers. Data were collected using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire (reliability coefficient = 0.87). Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard World Health Organization (WHO) procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Mothers demonstrated moderate nutritional knowledge (mean = 2.79 ± 0.24), with gaps in portion control and food hygiene. Attitudes were generally positive (mean = 2.74 ± 0.21), with a preference for scientific guidance. Feeding practices were moderately appropriate (mean = 2.85 ± 0.43), though deficiencies existed in exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding. Most children (69.1%) had normal nutritional status; however, 14.5% were stunted, 8.2% underweight, and 5.5% wasted. A strong positive relationship was observed between maternal KAP and child nutritional status (R = 0.921, R² = 0.848, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal KAP significantly influences child nutritional status. Targeted, culturally appropriate nutrition education and interventions addressing socio-economic barriers are essential to improve child nutrition outcomes in urban Nigerian settings. Journal of Public Health and Toxicological Research, Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026)