Assessment of complementary feeding practices and misconceptions regarding foods in young mothers

Abstract

Objective of the study is to assess the current complementary feeding practices and food beliefs in young mothers. Complementary feeding practices were assessed in infants aged 6 to 12 months using a semi structured open ended questionnaire. An informal interview method was used to gather information regarding misconceptions about food. A 24 hour recall was used to identify types of complementary foods given. Results showed that out of 100 infants. 14% had not started on complementary foods at all and only 40% received complementary feeding at 6 months. Most common reason for inappropriate practices who delayed complementary feeding was “tried but failed as child vomits or throws out food” (40%). Knowledge regarding appropriate timing of initiation of complementary feeding and feeding commercial infant foods did not vary with maternal education. However maternal knowledge had a significant impact on the consistency of the feed that was offered to infants (p= 0.041). Regarding feeding practices by food groups, animal milk (86%) was predominantly given. Most common food belief amongst majority of the mothers was that feeding banana, curd causes cold and cough. Prevalence of anaemia and constipation was 44% and 50% respectively. Thus it was concluded that Complementary feeding practices were inappropriate. Also the gap between knowledge and practice should be filled with proper interaction and education of mothers and family members.