MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH LITERACY AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN KWARA STATE

Maternal and child health literacy remains a significant determinant of health outcomes, particularly in rural farming households where access to healthcare information and services is limited. This study assessed maternal and child health literacy among farming households in Kwara State, with emphasis on socio-economic conditions, access to information, attitudes, practices, and influencing factors. The research adopted a quantitative survey design, drawing data from 120 farming households across four local government areas using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, chi-square, and regression analysis were employed for data analysis at a 0.05 significance level. Findings indicated that access to maternal and child health information was largely through community meetings , health providers and family networks. Regular use of antenatal services was reported by 78.1% of farming households, while postnatal service utilization remained low at 41.7%. Immunization uptake was high , whereas nutrition-related services were less accessed. Composite measures showed that 53.1% of households had low access to services, and attitudes toward maternal and child health literacy were generally favourable among 63.5% of respondents. Statistical results indicated significant relationships between marital status and service access (p=0.030), and a strong positive correlation between access to services and attitudes toward health literacy (r=0.429, p0.05). The study contributes to understanding how socio-economic disparities, information gaps, and service accessibility shape maternal and child health literacy in farming households. It highlights the importance of strengthening health education initiatives, improving access to reproductive and child health services, and addressing structural barriers limiting health information utilization within rural communities.