The effect of cadre assistance on the knowledge and attitudes of mothers regarding breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and monitoring children's growth

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of cadre assistance on mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and monitoring children's growth. The research design was quasi-experimental and was conducted from August to October 2023 at four health centers (Poasia, Mokoau, Nambo, and Abeli in Kendari City, Indonesia). The study population consisted of mothers from four Health Centers. The sample size included 92 mothers. The inclusion criteria were mothers who had babies aged 4-6 months, could read, had no disability, and lived in the study area. The intervention group was divided into 2 (intervention 1 with cadre assistance, Intervention group 2 provided modules https://doi.org/10.36990/978-623-88118-2-3, and the control group received no intervention). The intervention was performed for 2 months. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires. The data obtained were in the ratio category, and data analysis was performed using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. Findings showed that there were differences in the maternal knowledge and attitude scores among the three groups (p<0.05). There was a difference between the pre-test and post-test in the mothers' knowledge scores in Intervention Group 1 (p<0.001). Regarding mothers’ attitudes, there were significant differences between intervention groups 1 and 2 (p<0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the control group. Practical benefits from the results can be seen in designing more effective interventions for improving maternal knowledge and attitudes towards the topic. This could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers and infants. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of such interventions on the sustainability of breastfeeding practices and child development.