A longitudinal Study on Nutritional Assessment of Maternal and Infants (<1 Year) of selected Rural areas in Vijayapura district of Karnataka, India

Breastfeeding plays a critical role in infant nutrition and development, offering numerous health benefits for both the mother and child. However, knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to breastfeeding vary among populations, influenced by socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare information. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of breastfeeding mothers in rural and urban areas and evaluate the impact of a nutrition education intervention on these parameters.A cross-sectional study was conducted among lactating mothers (N=100) to collect demographic details, dietary habits, and anthropometric measurements of infants. Data on mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding breastfeeding were gathered using structured questionnaires. Nutrient intake was assessed through 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric measurements of infants were compared with WHO growth standards. A nutrition education intervention was implemented, and pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed to assess its impact. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and t-tests, were performed to determine significant differences (p<0.05).The majority of respondents (74%) were aged 18-25 years, with most living in joint families (82%) and having primary education (51%). While 91% received breastfeeding counseling, only 27% followed the recommended six-month exclusive breastfeeding practice. Attitudinal assessment revealed that 81% disagreed that formula feeding was more convenient than breastfeeding, and 69% strongly agreed that breastfeeding benefits extend beyond infancy. Practice analysis showed that 43% initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, while 70% fed their infants every two hours. Nutrient intake analysis indicated deficiencies in energy (43.66% of RDA), iron (43.86%), vitamin C (29.24%), and calcium (23.73%). Infant anthropometric measurements were lower than WHO reference values, particularly in weight and height. Post-intervention, the proportion of mothers with good knowledge increased from 60% to 80% (p<0.05), and those with a positive attitude rose from 10% to 40% (p<0.05), while improvements in breastfeeding practices were not statistically significant.Conclusion The study highlights gaps in breastfeeding knowledge and practices among mothers, despite awareness of its benefits. Nutritional deficiencies and growth faltering in infants emphasize the need for targeted interventions. The nutrition education program significantly improved maternal knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding, although changes in practice were minimal. Further interventions are required to address breastfeeding challenges and promote optimal infant nutrition.