Community survey : knowledge and practice of mothers of children aged six-months to three years on supplementary feeding in Harisiddi Village, Nepal

Abstract

The study aimed to assess knowledge and practice of mothers on supplementary feeding in Harisiddi Village, Nepal 1996. Target population were mothers of children aged 6 months to 3 years. One hundred and twenty mothers were interviewed by trained interviewers using pretested questionnaire. Resuls of study showed that mothers’ incorrect knowledge was higher than correct on supplementary feeding age of child, and mothers did practice more inappropriately. In the type of supplementary food, correct understanding and practice was greater than incorrect. There was association between knowledge peas/beans and education at p-value. 02., and Practice of the first food local porridge and education was significant at P-value. 03. More mothers were aware of correct preparation of supplementary food and the right way of preparation was higher than the wrong. Understanding of preparing thick enough porridge and practice of semisolid food was influenced by mother’s age at P-value .05 and .02 respectively. Right concept of frequently feeding was found greater than wrong concept, and more mothers showed practice correct. Practice of two hourly feeding was associated with mother’s age at P-value .05. In three aspects of supplementary feeding, half of mothers exhibited correct knowledge and practice, and in one aspect it was less half. Recommendation: 1. Regular child nutrition education program targeting young mothers. 2. Encourage traditional positive concept and practice in new generation 3. More information about supplementary food types should be given to the older mothers (>30 yrs). 4. Increase local health care facilities. 5. Suitable media in teaching. 6. Low cost nutritious food should be included in nutrition education program. 7. National supplementary feeding guideline.