ABSTRACT
This study focused on the Knowledge and Practice of Communicable Diseases Prevention of Preschool Age Children among Nursing Mothers in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Specifically, it focuses on examining the knowledge & practices of communicable diseases prevention among nursing mothers of Oredo LGA of Edo State. A simple survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 8,500 nursing mothers who utilize the health facilities within Oredo LGA. The sample for the study was One Hundred and Seventy (170) respondents.
The research instrument for the study was a self-structured questionnaire designed by the researcher, and administered with the aid of two research assistant. The data collected was analyzed by taking the frequency counts in each category divided by the total number of respondents and multiplying by 100%.
The study found that the residents of Oredo LGA have a good level of knowledge about communicable diseases prevention among preschool age children, the study also found that majority of nursing mothers reported practicing good hygiene, such as washing their hands regularly and regular cleaning of toys and surfaces, the study also identified several factors that influence the practices of communicable diseases prevention among preschool age children, i.e. level of education, religious beliefs, access to healthcare services, cultural beliefs, location, financial constraint and availability of water.
It is therefore recommended among others that Health education programs should be organized for nursing mothers to educate them on the prevention of communicable disease.
