Assessment of Maternal Health Literacy on Mother and Child Care in Arawa Rural Community of Gombe State, Nigeria

Introduction:Maternal health literacy (MHL) is a critical determinant of health outcomes for mothers and children. This study represents the first assessment of MHL among mothers in Arawa rural community, focusing on care practices during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Understanding MHL is essential for improving maternal and child health outcomes in this setting.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized, employing a cluster sampling technique to select participants. Data were collected from mothers with children under five years of age regarding their levels of MHL and sociodemographic information. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to identify relationships between MHL and various influencing factors.Results:Approximately 55.1% of mothers in the study exhibited adequate maternal health literacy. Significant relationships were found between MHL and sociodemographic factors: age (r = -0.309, p = 0.008), ethnicity (r = 0.348, p = 0.030), and educational level (r = 0.439, p = 0.001). Younger mothers and those with higher educational attainment displayed better levels of health literacy.Conclusion:The study highlights the complex interaction of factors influencing maternal health literacy in Arawa community. The significant correlations identified emphasize the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving MHL, which is vital for enhancing maternal and child health outcomes in rural areas.