Exploring Dietary Practices, Perceptions and Knowledge of Mothers of Toddlers visiting Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

Background: Mother is responsible for upbringing of infants and children as she decides their health and food. Objective: To assess the mother's beliefs and practices related to foods like bananas, dates, rice, eggs, ghee, butter, and factors influencing these practices. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2020 and March 2021 among mothers of young children (up to 3 years of age). Responses were collected through interviews. Data were collected from primary health centers (Nainsukh, Gajjumata) and OPD of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, PHCs Mubarakabad, and Nehranwalaa, district Okara. Questionnaire included information, about the diet given to children such as weaning foods introduced at 6 months and food items consumed by kids up until the age of 3 years. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: Out of 333 mothers overall 239 (72%) mothers fed, carbohydrate rich diet as part of weaning, 81% of these mothers were educated up to school level (p=0.001). Bananas were avoided by 100% of mothers who had no education (p=0.000) due to their perception that their use is linked to increased risk of mucous and chest problems in child. Similarly, eggs were not introduced in children due to misconception that it causes skin rash, fever, or loose stools, with 96% of mothers with no education, 98% with school education, and 42% with higher education (p=0.000). Similar trends were use of dates (p=0.00), rice (p=0.02), and butter (p=0.002) among mothers in the 3 educational groups. Conclusion: Majority of the mothers used a carbohydrate-rich diet as weaning food, and most of these mothers were educated. Majority of the uneducated mothers avoided bananas, eggs, dates, rice, and butter due to misconceptions.