ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE ON COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING AMONG MOTHERS OF THE CHILDREN AGED 6 TO 24 MONTHS

Background: Complementary feeding is the process of providing additional foods and liquids alongside breast milk when it alone no longer meets the nutritional requirements of infants, typically from 6–24 months of age. Proper knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of mothers regarding complementary feeding are crucial for optimal child growth and development. Objectives: The study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices related to complementary feeding, evaluate feeding practices in terms of timely initiation, quality, quantity, hygiene, and active feeding techniques, and identify factors influencing inadequate complementary feeding. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 mother–child pairs aged 6–24 months. Demographic details, feeding practices, and KAP were assessed using a validated questionnaire before and one month after counseling. Factors affecting complementary feeding practices were also analyzed. Results: Among the children, 67% were aged 12–24 months, and 52% were male. The majority of mothers were aged 26–30 years (47%) and resided in urban areas (81%). Most mothers had one child (45%) and delivered in public hospitals (76%). Breastfeeding was practiced by 72% of mothers, while 28% used bottle feeding. Sources of knowledge on complementary feeding included relatives (54%) and health workers (45%). Initiation of complementary feeding at six months was observed in 52% of children. Significant associations were found between the initiation of complementary feeding and maternal education (p=0.0478) and socioeconomic status (p=0.0356). After counseling, the proportion of mothers with good knowledge, attitude, and practices increased significantly: knowledge (99%), attitude (100%), and practices (100%). Conclusion: Maternal education and socioeconomic status play a key role in complementary feeding practices. Counseling significantly improved mothers’ KAP regarding complementary feeding, emphasizing the need for structured guidance during antenatal, postnatal, and immunization visits to ensure optimal child nutrition and development. Keywords: Complementary feeding, Mother-child pairs, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Counseling, Infant nutrition.