Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Mothers/Caretakers Regarding Complementary Feeding in Children Aged 6 Months to 2 Years Attending the Pediatrics Outpatient Department at Ishaka Adventist Hospital

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among mothers caring for children aged 6 months to 2 years regarding Complementary Feeding (CF). Conducted over a one-month period from October to November 2020, this descriptive cross-sectional study engaged 206 Mothers/caretakers attending Ishaka Adventist Hospital OPD for various child health concerns, including immunization and growth monitoring. Participants were selected randomly based on their arrival order at the hospital during the study period. Data collection involved researcher-administered questionnaires for illiterate participants and self-administered questionnaires for literate individuals after obtaining consent. Participants' comprehension and execution of complementary feeding practices were assessed through their responses. Data entry and analysis utilized EPI-DATA and STATA 17 software. Univariate analysis determined frequency, mean, mode, and percentage of participant responses, while bivariate analysis explored the relationship between knowledge and attitude, and between knowledge and practices among mothers/caretakers at Ishaka Adventist Hospital's pediatric OPD. Findings revealed that only 4% of participants were knowledgeable about the frequency of both Complementary Feeding (CF) and Breastfeeding (BF) for infants and the ideal diet composition. However, 63% were aware of the appropriate ages to initiate CF and stop BF, along with the consequences of delayed CF initiation. Although 85.5% commenced CF at the recommended age of six months, merely 4.3% provided adequate quantity and quality of complementary feeds to their infants. The study discovered statistically significant associations between proper/poor CF practices and respondents' age, education level, socio-economic status, and number of children in the household. Despite varied practices, participants generally exhibited positive and supportive attitudes toward CF. Keywords: Breast milk, Malnutrition, Immunization, Complementary Feeding, Babies.