Association of maternal knowledge and attitudes with complementary feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6–24 months
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56922/mhc.v5i7.4554
Complementary Feeding Feeding Practices Maternal Attitudes Maternal Knowledge
Abstract
Background: Appropriate complementary feeding supports child growth and development. Maternal knowledge and attitudes may be associated with feeding practices.
Purpose: To analyse the associations of maternal knowledge and attitudes with complementary feeding practices.
Method: This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 195 mothers of children aged 6–24 months, recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing maternal knowledge, attitudes, and feeding practices. The instrument had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.984. Associations were analysed using the Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Most respondents were aged 20–35 years (72.3%), had completed senior high school (47.7%), were housewives (44.1%), and had an income at or above the regional minimum wage (72.3%). Most mothers had good knowledge (71.8%) and positive attitudes (75.4%), while 74.9% practised appropriate complementary feeding. Maternal knowledge and attitudes were each significantly associated with complementary feeding practices (both p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Maternal knowledge and attitudes were associated with complementary feeding practices. Nutrition education and counselling may support informed feeding decisions.
Keywords: Complementary Feeding; Feeding Practices; Maternal Attitudes; Maternal Knowledge.
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