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Effectiveness of Counselling on Knowledge Regarding Appropriate Complementary Feeding Practices Among Mothers of Young Children

Sukhda Sharma

Abstract


Introduction: Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are essential for the nutritional status, health, optimal physical and mental growth, cognitive development, overall well-being in early vulnerable years as well as in later life and ultimately for the survival of children. Faulty feeding practices, such as early or delayed initiation of complementary feeding (CF) offering the wrong foods, not meeting the nutritional requirement of the child and discontinuing breastfeeding, result in malnutrition. Inappropriate feeding practices are often a greater determinant of inadequate intakes than the availability of foods in the households. Even among rich households children are not fed properly due to caregivers’ lack of knowledge regarding young child feeding practices. All children must receive adequate and safe foods in addition to breast milk from 6 months onwards for their full potentials. Several research studies have shown the importance of counselling and skilled support to mothers to adequately feed their young children.
Methodology: An interventional study was conducted among 100 primi lactating mothers who had child aged between 3–6 months. Structured interview schedule was administered to determine the knowledge of the mothers regarding complementary feeding (CF). After the pretest, counseling was done followed by posttest, using the same interview schedule.
Results: Following the counselling session, there was 37% improvement in the general knowledge on complementary feeding; 66% in preparation of feeding; 45.58% in technique of feeding and 42.5% in problems and solutions. Overall there was 48.33% positive impact of counselling. When compared 99% mothers had excellent knowledge on CF practices.
Conclusion: Knowledge regarding complementary feeding practices among primi lactating mothers is inadequate. This can be improved in a significant way by timely counseling of lactating mothers on the same to practice appropriate complementary feeding for their young children.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.37628/ijpn.v3i2.384

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