scholarly journals Environmental Variables Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending Postnatal Clinics in A Tertiary Health Institution

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 71-83
Author(s):  
Nwankwo I.P. ◽  
Ilo I.C.
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Place Of Delivery ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Significant Difference

The current WHO/UNICEF feeding recommends that breastfeeding with good nutrition is essential to achieving the UN sustainable development goals. This study was carried out to assess the environmental variables influencing exclusive breastfeeding of infants aged 0–6 months in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Three objectives guided the study. Cross sectional descriptive survey design was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was validated by experts and was administered to four hundred (400) post natal women of child bearing age who were randomly selected. The data collected were analyzed using statistical methods, which included mean, chi square, and t-test which were presented in frequencies and percentages. The result revealed that 44.7% of babies were exclusively breastfed while more than half (55.3%) were not exclusively breastfed. The result of this study also showed that maternal education had a significant effect on their exclusive breastfeeding pattern (P < 0.05) as 65.9% of mothers who breastfed exclusively had up to tertiary education. An association was also found between the parity of mother and breastfeeding practices. This is because 46.3% of mothers who had three or more children breastfed their children exclusively. This study showed a positive association between place of delivery and breastfeeding practices. Place of delivery revealed a significant difference between the two groups as exclusive breastfeeding was observed in 95.5% babies delivered in government health facilities compared with 4.5% delivered at private health facilities. Health workers should educate the mothers about the benefit of exclusive breastfeeding. Some other factors found to prevent mothers from practicing exclusive breastfeeding were finance, 36 (16.3%); personal reasons, 51 (20.1%); lack of time as they have to go back to work, 72 (32.6%); dissatisfaction, 40 (18.0%); stress, 9 (4.0%); baby's refusal, 7 (3.2%); and pains, 6 (2.7%).

scholarly journals Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan dengan Perilak Pemberian ASI Eksklusif Pada Bayi Usia 6-24 Bulan di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Sanggaran Agung Kabupaten Kerinci Provinsi Jambi

2022 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 227-237
Author(s):  
Moza Suzana
Keyword(s):  
Health Center ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Place Of Delivery ◽  
Birth Attendants ◽  
Work Area

ABSTRACT: FACTORS RELATED TO EXCLUSIVE BREASTING BEHAVIOR IN INFANTS AGED 6-24 MONTHS IN THE WORK AREA OF SANGGARAN AGUNG PUSKESMAS, KEINCI REGENCY, JAMBI PROVINCE Introduction: The problem of exclusive breastfeeding in infants is caused by a lack of mother's knowledge, mother's attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding, busy working mothers, and low maternal education. In Indonesia, the exclusive breastfeeding coverage target is 80%, according to the 2013 Riskesdas report, the milk adequacy rate of 30.2% is still below the target.Objective: To determine the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding behavior in infants aged 6-24 months in the Sanggaran Agung Community Health Center Work Area in 2020.Methods: This type of research is quantitative with a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted on August 2-10, 2020, with the population being all mothers with children under five in the Sanggaran Agung Health Center Work Area as many as 65 people, and samples were taken using the Total Population technique. Data was collected through a questionnaire sheet. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate with Chy Square test.Results: The results showed the frequency distribution of exclusive breastfeeding behavior (not giving exclusive breastfeeding 46.2%, exclusive breastfeeding 53.8%), knowledge factor (not good 41.5%, good 58.5%), place of delivery (non-health facilities) 30.8%, health facilities 69.2%), birth attendants (non-health workers 27.7%, health workers 72.3%), support from health workers (less supportive 44.6%, supported 55, 4%) and family support (less supportive 35.4%, supportive 64.6%).Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between knowledge of mothers, birthing places, birth attendants, support for health workers and family support with exclusive breastfeeding behavior for infants aged 6-24 months in the Sanggaran Agung Public Health Center, Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province in 2020. Support from health centers and related stakeholders to increase mother's knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and provide support to mothers to be able to give exclusive breastfeeding to their babies. Keywords: Knowledge, place of delivery, birth attendant, support for health workers, family support, exclusive breastfeeding behavior  INTISARI: FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PERILAK PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF PADA BAYI USIA 6-24 BULAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS SANGGARAN AGUNG KABUPATEN  KERINCI PROVINSI JAMBI Pendahuluan: Permasalah ASI eklusif pada bayi adalah karena pengetahuan ibu yang kurang, sikap ibu terhadap pemberian ASI eklusif, ibu sibuk kerja, pendidikan ibu yang rendah. Di Indonesia target cakupan ASI ekslusif adalah 80%, menurut laporan Riskesdas 2013, angka kecukupan ASI sebanyak 30,2% masih dibawah target.Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan perilaku pemberian ASI Eksklusif pada bayi Usia 6-24 Bulan Di  Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Sanggaran Agung Tahun 2020.Metode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan desain Cross Sectional, Penelitian ini telah dilaksanakan pada tanggal 2-10 Agustus 2020, dengan populasi adalah semua ibu yang memiliki baduta di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Sanggaran Agung sebanyak 65 orang dan sampel diambil dengan teknik Total Populasi. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui lembar kuesioner. Data dianalisa secara univariat dan bivariat dengan Uji Chy Square.Hasil: Hasil penelitian didapatkan distribusi frekuensi Perilaku pemberian ASI Ekslusif (Tidak ASI Ekslusif 46,2%, ASI Ekslusif 53,8%), faktor pengetahuan (kurang baik 41,5%, Baik 58,5%), tempat persalinan (Non fasilitas kesehatan 30,8%, Fasilitas kesehatan 69,2%), penolong persalinan (non tenaga kesehatan 27,7%, tenaga kesehatan 72,3%), dukungan petugas kesehatan (kurang mendukung 44,6%, mendukung 55,4%) dan dukungan keluarga (kurang mendukung 35,4%, mendukung 64,6%).Kesimpulan: Berdasarkan hasil penelitian maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa Ada hubungan pengetahuan ibu, tempat persalinan, penolong persalinan, dukungan tenaga kesehatan dan dukungan keluarga dengan perilaku pemberian ASI eksklusif pada bayi usia 6-24 bulan di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Sanggaran Agung Tahun  Kabupaten Kerinci Provinsi Jambi 2020. Dukungan dari pihak puskesmas dan stakeholder terkait untuk dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu tentang ASI Ekslusif serta memberikan dukungan bagi ibu untuk dapat memberikan ASI Ekslusif untuk bayinya. Kata Kunci :   Pengetahuan, tempat persalinan, penolong persalinan, dukungan tenaga kesehatan, dukungan keluarga, Perilaku Pemberian ASI Ekslusif

scholarly journals FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PRAKTIK MENYUSUI PADA IBU POST SECTIO CAESAREA DI RSI A. YANI SURABAYA

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uke Maharani Dewi
Keyword(s):  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Previous Experience ◽  
Sectio Caesarea ◽  
Feeding Practice ◽  
Breastfeeding Initiation ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Breastfeeding Practice

factors that affect the practice of nursing in the mother post section caesarea. Various programs to support the delivery of ASI has intensified coverage of ASI but still does not meet the expected target. Previous studies showed that breastfeeding initiation was late in babies born with sectio caesarea compared to those with vaginal delivery and prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice was low in the former group. The objective of this study was to define factors correlated breast feeding practice initiation on post sectio caesarea mother. 72 post sectio caesarea mothers were observed and interviewed on January 2012 to find the factors correlated with breastfeeding practice. The results showed that although 26.4% of them had previous experience in breastfeeding, only 6.9% and 29.2% of total breastfeeding is started on the first and second post sectio caesarea respectively. Support for breastfeeding practice from health workers was low, and there were significant correlation between the support and rooming conditions with breastfeeding practices (p = 0.001).

scholarly journals Socio-economic variables of children with undernutrition and their controls in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-78
Author(s):  
S.M. Abdullahi ◽  
A.M. Yakubu ◽  
M.A. Bugaje ◽  
S.M. Akuyam
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Protein Energy Malnutrition ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Islamic Education ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
Under Nutrition ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Low socio-economic and educational levels of parents are important risk factors for under-nutrition in children. The distribution ofhealth and diseases in childhood had been shown to be strongly influenced by the social characteristics like occupation and educational attainment. The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic status among children with Protein Energy Malnutrition and the Controls in Zaria usingthe modification of the method earlier used by Oyedeji. Method: This study was a case control health- based descriptive study to determine the socioeconomic and demographic variables in  undernourished children in Zaria. Using systematic sampling method, a total of 132 children (cases and controls) between 6 and 59 months of age were selected for assessment of socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results: Nineteen (28.8%) of the study group belong to social class III as compared to 12 (18.2%) for the controls. As for the educational levels of the parents, among the cases, 28 (42.4%) had Islamic education, 25 (37.9%) had secondary education, 10 (15.1%), 2 (3.0%) and 1 (1.5%) had primary,  tertiary and no formal education respectively. For the controls, 7 (10.6%) had Islamic education, 34 (51.5%) had secondary education, 13 (19.7%) and 12 (18.1%) had primary and tertiary education respectively. There was none with no formal education, The statistical analysis showed significant  difference (P= 0.0009) between cases and controls for maternal educational levels only among the demographic data. Conclusion: This study has been able to establish low socio- economic factors among undernourished children studied. Keywords: Under-nutrition, socioeconomic factors, educational levels, children

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices In Seberang Ulu I, Palembang: A Cross-Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-171
Author(s):  
Indah Purnama Sari ◽  
Dewi Handayani ◽  
Fatmalina Febry
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
The Face

Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the successful indicators in improving the health of babies. From 2013 until 2014, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding has decreased in Indonesia and has not reached the national targets of around 80% of babies being exclusively breastfed. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in Seberang Ulu I, Palembang. A community-based cross sectional study was executed from July 5, 2016 to August 5, 2016 among mothers who had infants aged less than six months. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 125 participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by the face-to-face interview technique. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to determine factors associated with the practice of breastfeeding exclusively and to control confounding effects. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 26.4% (95% CI: 20.0%-35.1%). After adjusting for confounders (mothers’ attitudes and health workers’ support), mothers who had good knowledge were 11.66 times more likely to breastfeed exclusively than those who had poor knowledge (AOR: 11.66, 95% CI: 3.07-44.31). The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Seberang Ulu I, Palembang, was still very low and has not reached the national target. The recommendation is to maximize the role of health workers in providing information about exclusive breastfeeding, so that they can continue providing motivation for mothers, husbands and families, so that the success and sustainability of exclusive breastfeeding practices could be achieved.   Keywords: Mother’s knowledge, mother’s attitude, health workers support, exclusive breastfeeding

scholarly journals Level of awareness of the benefits, socio-demographic and cultural factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending MCH clinic in Tudor sub county hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 2150
Author(s):  
Consolata Mandi Machila ◽  
Jane Karonjo ◽  
Dominic Mogere ◽  
Peterson Kariuki
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Method Approach

Background: Knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among women is essential when promoting optimal breastfeeding practices. Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life and continuation of breastfeeding and adequate complementary foods for up to two years of age or beyond.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. This study utilized a mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative).Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was low at 33.6%. Data revealed that 60.9% of respondents were knowledgeable on the benefits of EBF, while 38.6% were not knowledgeable, the rest of the respondents did not respond or their answers were not valid.Conclusions: Women's knowledge on benefits EBF and intention to practice it is still low. There was significant difference in the participants place of residence (rural versus urban).

scholarly journals Availability of Essential Commodities and Related Bottlenecks for Community Health System: Systematic Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ami Pradhan ◽  
Erin Bogue ◽  
Benjamin Schreiber ◽  
Hannah Sarah Dini ◽  
Hitesh Hurkchand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Hypothesis Test ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: This paper explores the extent of community-level stock-out of essential and program commodities for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and identifies the underlying bottlenecks leading to such stock-outs.Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted of published and grey literature. 48 studies containing information on the number or percentage of CHWs or health facilities (HFs) stocked-out, or reasons for stock-outs at these levels, were included. In addition, interviews were conducted with domain experts from different organizations working on community health to identify primary reasons for stock-outs. The qualitative data regarding reasons for stock-outs were categorized under different themes, using a content analysis method. Results: 48.09% [CI 95%: 39.28 - 56.90] of the Community Health Workers and 54.76 % [CI 95%: 43.54 - 65.98] of the health facilities in SSA countries included in this study experienced stock-outs of essential commodities. A hypothesis test showed no significant difference in stock-out rates between CHWs and HFs. The most frequently cited reason for CHW stock-outs was a lack of financial resources, leading to inadequate national level stocks, affecting supply available at the last mile. Moreover, issues at HF and CHW levels in the following areas contributed to stock-outs: transportation, data and estimation of needs, human resources, and stock management and storage. These significant bottlenecks hinder the ability of CHWs to save lives.Conclusion: Stock-outs of health commodities impact almost half of CHWs, preventing effective service delivery. Many factors contribute to stock-outs, which occur at all levels of the health supply chain. A system strengthening approach is necessary to reduce CHW stock-outs. Sparse data, differing definitions of stock-outs, and inconsistent reporting metrics posed significant challenges to analyzing results from reviewed studies. Therefore, a set of standard metrics to measure the rate, period, and frequency of stock-outs in future studies is recommended.

scholarly journals Factors influencing knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Nyando District, Kenya

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (54) ◽  
pp. 6632-6645
Author(s):  
NM Nyanga ◽  
◽  
C Musita ◽  
A Otieno ◽  
D Kaseje
Keyword(s):  
Marital Status ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
District Hospital ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Place Of Delivery ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Knowledge And Practice

The overall objective of this study was to determine factors influencing the knowledge and practice of Exclusive Breast Feeding1 (EBF) among lactating mothers with infants aged zero2 to six months at Ahero Sub District Hospital in Nyando District, Kenya. A cross- sectional design was conducted to 117 breastfeeding mothers at Ahero Sub-District Hospital at Maternal Child Health clinic; these were selected consecutively until the desired sample was attained. The independent variables were maternal education, marital status, both maternal and child age, maternal employment status, health factors (place of delivery and maternal chronic illness), and cultural beliefs while dependent variables included EBF practice and mothers’ knowledge of EBF3 (awareness of EBF and its benefits), pre lacteal feeds and exclusive breastfeeding consistency. Exclusiveness was measured in time initiated (30 minutes initiation after birth) Data were collected by trained enumerators who administered a structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) by running frequencies and cross tabulation. Chi square test was used to check for strength of association between variables at 95% confidence level. The study found that there was low EBF practice (33%) in the area and this posed a great concern. It was established that marital status, employment, maternal education, place of delivery and both infant and mothers’ age were closely associated with knowledge and practice of EBF. Marital status and employment were strong predictors of both knowledge and practice which showed statistical significance of P= 0.02 and P=0.00, respectively. It was evident that family support is a key factor in the success of EBF with special focus on partner involvement. Actions to empower women and promotion of EBF campaign are recommended to achieve the fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and probably reduce infant mortality in the area. Further studies are required to assess the impact of a strong focused educational program (focused on building family support) on improving EBF rates.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Nutritional Knowledge in Mothers and Recommended Infant Feeding Practices in Children 0–24 Months in the Lubombo region of eSwatini

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 965-965
Author(s):  
Alina Dallmeier ◽  
Constance Gewa
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine if nutritional knowledge is associated with recommended infant feeding practices among mothers in the Lubombo region of eSwatini. Methods In April 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess knowledge and practices among mothers (18–49 years) with at least one young child (0–24 months) in the Siphofaneni Tinkhundla (Administrative subdivision) of the Lubombo region of eSwatini. Community health workers invited mothers to a central meeting location were quantitative data was collected through one-on-one interviews. The questionnaire was broken up into four sections: 1) Sociodemographic, 2) Household Food Security Assessment, 3) Nutrition Practices, and 4) Nutrition Knowledge. Mothers were 18–48 years of age (mean: 26.95; SD: 6.5). We used logistic and multivariate regression to measure the association between breastfeeding practices and nutrition knowledge, and the association between diet diversity and nutrition knowledge. Results A total of 164 mothers completed the questionnaire. Participants were 18–48 years of age (mean: 26.95; SD: 6.5). Their children were 0–24 months of age (mean: 10.4; SD: 6.3). The total nutrition knowledge score ranged from 8 to 44 (mean: 21.8; SD: 6.14). Approximately 92% had heard of exclusive breastfeeding; of those mothers, 87% were able to properly explain the practice. Ninety three % of infants 0–5 months were breastfed, but less than half of those were exclusively breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding practices were not significantly associated with nutrition knowledge. The mean for the Minimum Diet Diversity score was 3.7 (SD 1.38). Diet Diversity scores and nutrition knowledge were significantly associated (P = .011) after adjusting for infant sex, maternal education and household size. Conclusions Education alone may not be sufficient for the adoption of recommended infant feeding practices among mothers. Future research should explore sociocultural and economic factors that may play a role in influencing recommended infant feeding practices. Funding Sources This study was funded by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

scholarly journals Improving Breastfeeding Practices: The Role of Community Breastfeeding Guardians (BFGs) in Lagos State

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1342-1342
Author(s):  
Uche Ralph-Opara ◽  
Albertha Nyaku ◽  
Helen Olowofeso
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Home Visits ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Project Data

Abstract Objectives Research by the Alive & Thrive Program (A&T) in Nigeria to demonstrate that repeated exposures of pregnant women and mothers of infants to Breastfeeding Guardian (BFG) services - including counseling, home visits and problem solving – led to improvements in breastfeeding (BF) practices in intervention communities. Methods BFGs comprise community influencers such as teachers, religious leaders, and community health workers. BFGs were engaged, trained and equipped by A&T to support pregnant women and lactating mothers with key messages at critical decision-making points about: ANC, breastfeeding management, early initiation of BF in the first hour of birth (6 contacts in 3rd trimester); and exclusive BF (EBF) including problem-solving (6 contacts in first six months). The intervention lasted 12 months and included counseling of pregnant women and home visit support for newly delivered mothers. Assessments of EI and EBF rates were conducted in 40 health facilities (HF) using Alive & Thrive routine project data comparing rates pre and post BFG deployment. Key Informant Interviews (KII) were also conducted with pregnant women in their 3rd trimester and post-delivery with the same cohort targeting women with infants 4–8 months. Results EI rates improved from 72% to 93% while EBF rates improved from 67% to 84% across the 40 health facilities. Findings from KIIs indicated that support mothers received through the BFGs, such as home visits, were perceived to be helpful in preparing women for breastfeeding exclusively and managing challenges associated with feeding newborns. Fifty-three of 60 mothers interviewed said they were able to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, and their infants had no cause to visit the clinic for treatment of any illnesses. Conclusions Repeated contacts by BFGs to support pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers at the community level could be effective in improving breastfeeding practices. It can also serve as a viable way of bridging the skilled health attendant gap in underserved communities. It would be interesting to observe how beneficial the BFGs innovation would be on a larger scale and longer term. Funding Sources The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Artificial Fruit Ripening Among Consumers in Rivers State

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 436-454
Author(s):  
Elizabeth E. Eze ◽  
Emmanuel. U. Asogwa
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Ripening ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Artificial Fruit ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rivers State

The study investigated the knowledge of artificial fruit ripening among consumers in Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Four research questions and three null hypotheses tested at .05 alpha level guided the study. The population for the study was 2,617,600 respondents in fruit markets in Rivers State. A sample size of 1,024 fruit consumers was drawn suing multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a validated self-structured questionnaire titled "Knowledge of Artificial Fruit Ripening (KAFR)”. Guttman Split-Half Coefficient of 0.881 was obtained using Pearson Product Moment Correlation in conjunction with Spearman Brown correction statistics. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, z-test, and One way Analysis of Variance. It was found that consumers had moderate knowledge of artificial fruit ripening in Rivers State. Also, male consumers, those within 31-40 years and those with tertiary education had higher knowledge of artificial fruit ripening. More so, the study revealed significant difference in knowledge among consumers in Rivers State based on gender, age and level of education. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that; community health workers in Rivers State should organize regular heath education campaigns concerning the dangers of using chemicals for fruit ripening among consumers in Rivers State.   

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