Knowledge, attitude and practices on infant and young child feeding and the adoption of context specific complementary feeding recipes among mothers of children aged 6-23 months. A case study of Katanga slum - Kampala district.

Abstract

Background: Globally, 45% of all child deaths are attributed to malnutrition. Few children are exclusively breastfed and less than a fourth of children 6-23 months of age are introduced to optimal complementary feeding practices. Only 23 countries have breastfeeding rates above 60%, complementary feeding was poor with lack of correct information and practical support among most mothers. Include the aim/objective of the study Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving both qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Quantitative data collected included weight, height and MUAC and qualitative data included semi-structured questionnaires that assessed knowledge, attitude and IYCF feeding practices. Also, standard IYCF recipes designed in local languages were used to assess knowledge on IYCF and educate caretakers on IYCF practices. Results: In pre-behavioral change nutrition education data collection, malnutrition prevalence was slightly high with 22.8% stunting, 9.2% wasting, and 11.7% underweight with male children more affected than female children. Complimentary feeding practices were suboptimal with a minimum dietary diversity of 17% and minimum meal frequency of 22.9%. Breastfeeding practices of mothers were convincing as the majority of mothers (72.1%) initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. IYCF attitude was above average with more than 57.1% of mothers accepting continued IYCF practices although mother and caretakers’ knowledge on IYCF and recipes was low. Behavioral change nutrition education influences the adoption of dietary diversity, nutrition knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers on infant and young child feeding practices. Majority of the mothers n=83 (59.3%) put the recipe and its recommendations into practice, and 72(86.7%) mothers were willing to continue putting the recipe and its recommendations into practice. Conclusion: Nutrition education programs aimed at social behavioral change and improving the nutrition status of children are easily adopted by mothers and show significance.