CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study

Child mortality continues to be one of the leading public health issues in many developing nations, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Child mortality is defined as the death of children under five years of age because of preventable or curable diseases and health-related problems. One of the nations that experiences high levels of child mortality is Nigeria, which has emerged as a grave issue to healthcare practitioners, government institutions, and international organizations. Studies show that some of the reasons for high levels of child mortality in Nigeria include poor healthcare services, malnutrition, poor hygiene, lack of immunizations, and poor childcare practices (Adedini et al., 2025).

Childcare practices encompass the behaviors and actions that mothers engage in to ensure the health, nutrition, growth, and survival of their children. Such practices involve exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, proper nutrition, personal hygiene, attending antenatal care services, proper delivery practices, treatment of childhood diseases, and proper sanitation. Good childcare practices are very important in minimizing child mortality and promoting healthy child growth.

The role of mothers is very crucial in the survival of their children since they are the major caregivers and decision makers regarding health issues in families. In many societies, especially those from developing countries, poor childcare practices have been linked to the increase in child mortality rates. It has been proven that children who are taken care of by mothers who embrace proper breastfeeding, immunization, hygiene, and nutrition practices survive better (Odira et al., 2025).

Various health interventions have been employed in Nigeria in order to address issues of child mortality and enhance maternal and child health. Such health interventions in Nigeria include vaccination services, antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, nutrition programs, and community health education. Chima-Oduko et al. (2026) observe that maternal and child health interventions have played a major role in reducing the cases of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. Unfortunately, child mortality remains very high in certain parts of Nigeria due to poverty, poor education, inadequate health services, and poor use of maternal healthcare.

Child health problems continue to pose serious challenges for many people in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Some mothers in this area may lack sufficient knowledge about good childcare practices, whereas other mothers may lack sufficient finances and other resources required to seek healthcare services. Poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition, cultural beliefs, and delayed treatment are some of the factors that have been found to cause child mortality in this area.

Exclusive breastfeeding can be regarded as one of the best ways of taking care of infants that helps decrease their mortality rate. The World Health Organization has recommended exclusive breastfeeding for six months after birth since it supplies necessary nutrition to children and also guards them against diseases. Another healthy way of taking care of children includes immunization, which helps protect children against certain vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, polio, and tuberculosis. Studies have proved that women attending antenatal clinics and receiving health education tend to engage in healthy practices of childcare (Kaduru et al., 2025).

Other healthy practices include proper hygiene and sanitation measures like hand washing, clean water supply, and proper waste management, which help prevent diseases among children. Proper treatment of diseases like malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia can also help save the lives of children. Poor healthcare facilities and poverty, however, still hinder the success of these practices in many Nigerian communities..

In spite of attempts made by the government and international bodies to cut down child mortality, the issue remains prevalent in many areas of Nigeria. It is therefore necessary that there be an analysis of the childcare methods employed by the mothers in order to cut down child mortality.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Child mortality continues to be a major public health issue in Nigeria despite numerous health programs designed to enhance child survival. Children below the age of five years continue to die due to preventable illnesses such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition, and vaccine-preventable illnesses. Inadequate childcare practices by mothers have been identified as a significant risk factor for child mortality.

In Jos North Local Government Area, some mothers might not have sufficient information regarding proper childcare practices like exclusive breastfeeding, vaccination, proper nutrition, cleanliness, and seeking prompt medical care. Poverty, illiteracy, cultural practices, and poor health care facilities could also play a role in mothers' failure to properly care for their children.

Several studies have established that poor childcare practices lead to higher infection rates, malnutrition, and increased mortality rates in children (Odira et al., 2025). Even though several health care initiatives and education campaigns have been implemented, child mortality rate remains high in certain communities due to low health care access and lack of maternal knowledge.

Consequently, it is necessary to conduct an investigation into the childcare practices adopted by mothers to reduce child mortality in Jos North Local Government Area.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

Purpose statement

The primary purpose of this research is to investigate the childcare practices used by mothers to reduce the mortality rates of children in Jos North Local Government Area.

The secondary purposes are to:

1.       Identify the most common childcare practices that have been used by mothers in Jos North Local Government Area.

2.       Investigate the link between childcare practices and child mortality rates.

3.       Investigate the effect of exclusive breastfeeding on child survival rates.

4.       Investigate the effect of immunization and hygiene practices on child mortality rates.

5.       Propose ways to improve childcare practices among mothers in Jos North Local Government Area.

1.4 Research Questions

These are the research questions that will be used to direct the study:

1. What are the common childcare practices among mothers in the Jos North Local Government Area?

2. Is there any correlation between childcare practices and reduction of child mortality?

3. What is the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on child survival?

4. How do immunization and hygiene practices reduce child mortality?

5. What can be done to enhance childcare practices among mothers in Jos North Local Government Area?

1.5 Hypotheses

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between childcare practices and reduction of child mortality among mothers in Jos North Local Government Area.

Ho2: Exclusive breastfeeding has no significant effect on child survival among mothers in Jos North Local Government Area.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will prove useful to mothers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and the community at large. The findings of this study will prove useful to mothers because they will be able to understand better how to care for their children in a way that ensures better survival chances and improved health.

Healthcare professionals will gain information that will enable them to know the areas where health education needs to be intensified. Policymakers can take the findings of this study into consideration when formulating policies and programs meant to enhance maternal and child health care services.

This study will add to the body of knowledge regarding childcare and mortality reduction among children. Researchers and students will find the findings useful as reference material for future research on maternal and child health..

1.7 Scope of the Study This research will dwell on the practices of childcare that have been undertaken by the mothers in reducing child mortality in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. This research will consider some of the practices like breastfeeding, immunization, hygiene, nutrition, and health care utilization.   1.8 Limitation of the Study

However, some of the challenges that may be faced by the researcher include lack of enough time, financial problems, and the inability to get accurate information from the respondents. In addition, some of the mothers may be unwilling to give full information for personal and cultural reasons. Moreover, the research will be conducted in Jos North Local Government Area only.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Child Care Practices: Actions or practices undertaken by mothers or caregivers to ensure that children grow healthy and survive.

Child Mortality: Death of children under five years of age due to diseases or poor health.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: Practice of feeding babies with breast milk alone during the first six months of their lives.

Immunization: Process of making children safe from diseases through vaccination.

Mothers: Women who take care of children.