Knowledge of complementary feed and its effect on the child nutrition

Abstract

Introduction: Introduction of semisolid food in an infant who is on liquid diet is known as complementary feeding. When breast milk is no longer enough to meet the nutritional needs of the infant, complementary feeding should be started.

Methods: 500 mothers with children 6-24 months of age attending OPD in Mc Gann were interviewed. Data was collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire with the mothers regarding knowledge, attitude, and practices of complementary feeding

Results: Knowledge, attitude and practices were assessed in 500 mothers. The mean age of complementary feeding was 8.24 ± 2.79 months. Only few had correct information from health personnel. 23% of mothers started complementary feeding at 6 months of age. 21.6% of mothers used commercial foods. Male child, illiterate mothers, low socio-economic group and rural mothers tend to wean late (p<0.001). Parity, had no influence on complementary feeding age (p>0.05). 34.1%, 34.5% and 23.8% of children were under weight, stunted and wasted respectively. There was significant association between delayed complementary feeding and malnutrition of the child.

Conclusion: There is lack of knowledge in mothers regarding complementary feeding, there has to be proper recommendation about timing of complementary feeding. Mean age of complementary feeding was delayed due to improper information, false beliefs and attitudes, illiteracy, low socio-economic status and rural mothers, thus leading to malnutrition of the child. Hence, mothers should be educated properly regarding complementary feeding, foods, preparation and practice to prevent malnutrition and improve the health status of the children.