Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Analysis among Rural Mothers of 6 to 24 Month Age Child Regarding Complementary Feeding

Introduction: According to WHO, exclusive breastfeeding is essential for first 6 moth of life, afterward by six months to meet raised energy and nutrient needs of growing infant complementary feeding is necessary [1]. Proper complementary feeding very essential for the proper physical, neurocognitive development of the child.

Objectives: To assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice among rural Indian mothers of age 6 to 24 month child regarding complementary feeding.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching rural hospital in India between December 2020 and June 2021. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to mothers of 6 to 24 month age children attending pediatrics outpatient department at hospital. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts; first part consist of demographic variables, second and third part regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of mother towards complementary feeding practice. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis.

Results: Out of the 250 participants, 220(88%) completed questionnaire completely and validly, 96% mothers initiated breastfeeding within first 48 hrs of birth, and about 62% mothers continue exclusive breastfeeding till six moth age. 72 % mother knew that complementary feeding should start at 6 month of age but only 66% mother able to start at that age, major reason for delayed start is mother perception that her feeding is sufficient for baby, other that family member’s advice. 64% mother believe in homemade complementary feeds and 26% mothers believe in commercial feeds, though major source of knowledge is family members (69%), electronic media(12%) also important source of knowledge while only 19% mothers get information from health professionals. Significant number of mother have knowledge about iron rich foods(63%), iodized salt (50%) etc. however only 36% mother knows about dietary diversity. During illness 52% mothers prefer to decrease in feeding while, 10% prefer to withhold it. 91% mother practice washing hands before cooking and 85% practice giving boil water to baby. However, still 70% mother practice bottle feeding for their children’s.

Conclusion: Though there is good knowledge among mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding in term of age of start, type of feeding, nutrient value of feeding, importance of consistency, however still there is lack of knowledge about dietary diversity, cultural and social food taboos, bottle feeding etc. Strategies need to employ like health education, awareness programs, training programs for mothers to improve their practice and attitude towards complementary feeding.