Knowledge and Attitude of Women of Reproductive Age (15–49 years) on Maternal Capabilities and Infant Nutrition in the First 1000 Days of Life in Umuahia South LocalGovernment Area, Abia State

Background Maternal capabilities refer to some of the attributes such as decision-making autonomy, gender-norm attitude, social support and self-efficacy, possessed by mothers to adequately care for themselves and their children. This paper aims assess the maternal capabilities, knowledge, and attitudes of women of reproductive age (WRA) regarding infant nutrition during the first 1000 days of life in Umuahia South Local Government Area (LGA). Methodology A community-based cross-sectional design was used to recruit 193 WRA from 6 communities in both semi-urban and rural areas of the LGA. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and socioeconomic data, knowledge and attitudes of WRA on infant nutrition. Maternal capabilities survey tool was adopted for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation), and linear regression, while level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results More (53.8%) of the WRA had lower decision-making autonomy, 90.3% had lower levels of social support, and 88.7% had low self-efficacy. Also, 52.2% of WRA had good knowledge, while 54.3% had positive attitudes regarding infant nutrition. Unemployment had significant influence ( p < 0.05 ) on both social support and mental health. Higher income statistically influence ( p < 0.05 ) maternal self-efficacy, with 21% variability. Conclusion Most of the respondents had lower levels of social support and self-efficacy. Unemployment was strongly linked to lower social support and mental health, while higher income levels increased self-efficacy.