Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Infant and Young Child Feeding among Lactating Mothers from Rural Areas of Nanded, Maharashtra
Mugdha Deshpande and Devaki GokhaleSymbiosis School of Biological Sciences Symbiosis International Deemed University Taluka: Mulshi, District: Pune-412115
Corresponding Author E-mail : devakijgokhale@gmail.com
Abstract: Undernutrition is a major cause of disability preventing children from reaching their full development potential due to various reasons like poor infant and child nutrition, suboptimal caregiver-child interaction. Assessment through infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) based on breastfeeding practices recommended by WHO is of utmost importance as they directly influence child growth. Thus the aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of infant and child feeding among lactating mothers from rural areas of Nanded, Maharashtra. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 141 mothers and their children aged less than 2 years across 4 Anganwadi centres using structured interviews and systematic random sampling. The purpose of the study was explained and informed consent was obtained on voluntary basis. A total of 90.1% of the women knew WHO recommendation on breast milk to be the first feed that should be consumed by the child after birth and complementary feeding to be initiated after 6 months. Majority of mothers (90%) had a positive attitude about breast-feeding their child on demand but almost a quarter of them (24.8%) had a lesser positive attitude. 79.4% children were breast-fed within an hour of their birth and 87.2% of children were exclusively breast-fed for the first six months of life. A quarter (25%) of women had good IYCF practices. It was observed that although women were aware of the IYCF and its importance, there were barriers to put it to practice. Hence, need further development towards behaviour change communications intervention strategies to bridge the gap between what is known and what is practiced through community health workers.
Keywords: Attitude; IYCF; Infant; Knowledge Practises Back to TOC