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