Abstract
Nurses often serve as nutrition and young child feeding (YCF) educators in Ghana. This study examined the education, training, and understanding of nurses in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) region’s public health clinics, and how they served as educators for Ghanaian mothers and caregivers with children 0-5 years of age.
Nurses (n=41) from 12 clinics were purposefully recruited, and participated in interviews (n=21) following a structured questionnaire of closed-ended and open-ended questions with probes. Responses were audio recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed to identify major themes.
Nurses reported confidence (98%) providing iron deficiency anemia, hygiene, and infant and YCF education, and correct basic nutrition and YCF knowledge. Perceived barriers in disseminating information were identified, and education effectiveness evaluated through children’s health status. Education and knowledge of YCF beyond complementary feeding was generally absent. Nurses’ desire for in-depth nutrition knowledge and YCF practices was reported, indicating a need for further education.