Knowledge, attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding and dietary patterns of mothers of infants 0 to 6 months in Kitgum Municipality.

Abstract

Knowledge, attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding and dietary patterns of mothers of infants 0 to 6 months in Kitgum Municipality. Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended for the first six months of age of and infant by the World Health Organization. The practice of EBF is influenced by maternal knowledge and attitudes as well as socio-demographic factors. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of infant‟s life is considered as one of the most effective strategies for reducing infant morbidity and mortality in resource limited settings. Every year, optimal breastfeeding practices can prevent about 1.4 million deaths worldwide among children under five. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding and dietary patterns of breastfeeding mothers with infants 0 to 6 months in Kitgum municipality. Identifying factors associated with EBF practice and dietary practices of the mothers. Methods. A cross sectional study design was used, where all the data were collected using a structured questionnaire which included questions about the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge attitude and practices, dietary data were recorded using a 24 hour recall of foods consumed. Data analysis was done using SPSS and Microsoft excel soft wares. Chi square test was done to determine association between socio-demographic characteristics and practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Results: This study indicated that 65.5% (n=72) of the mothers generally had high EBF knowledge with 98.2% being aware of EBF, 73.6% of the mothers had a positive attitude towards EBF, 69.1% of the mothers were practicing exclusive breastfeeding, age of the infant was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding, P<0.001. The study also indicated that grains, white tubers, roots food group was the most consumed (94.5%) and other vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables food group being the least consumed (3.6%). Conclusion: Generally the mothers had good knowledge and positive attitude but the practice of exclusive breastfeeding was suboptimal, and most of the mothers had diets with high energy dense foods from the grains food group. The dietary pattern showed a gap in intake of vitamin A rich foods, animal source foods. These findings highlight the need to enhanced nutritional education and support programs to improve dietary diversity and sustain optimal EBF practices.