Knowledge and practice of complementary feeding among mothers in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania: Community-based cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: Magnus Michael Sichalwe (Author), Manas Ranjan Behera (Author), Deepanjali Behera (Author), Ranjit Kumar Dehury (Author), Hannah Degge (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Introduction: This study examines mothers' complementary feeding (CF) knowledge and practices for children aged 6-24 months, highlighting links to adverse health outcomes and childhood malnutrition from both delayed and early CF initiation (before six months). Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study collected data from 422 mothers through multistage sampling. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used and analyzed with SPSS software version 20.0, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square tests assessed associations at a 95 % confidence interval, with a P < 0.05 signifying statistical significance. Results: Approximately 66.8 % of mothers initiated breastfeeding within an hour after childbirth, with 71.1 % knowledgeable about 'breastfeeding and hand washing' prior to breastfeeding. Around 64.5 % introduced liquids, and 58.8 % gave semi-solid food to their children before six months. About 41.9 % initiated CF at the recommended age. Associations were observed between maternal education and knowledge of dietary diversification. The study also found a connection between CF-related information and timely CF initiation. Conclusions: Insufficient knowledge of infant and child feeding practices necessitates nutritional education for mothers through effective communication packages to promote proper feeding practices.

Item Description

2213-3984
10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101430