Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Infant and Young Child Feeding among Mothers/Caregivers Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Foetal life and early childhood years are the phases when growth and development are maximum, coinciding with a period of great vulnerability to sub-optimal environment. Nutrition during the entire life cycle is a key driver of growth and development. Children <2 years are the most vulnerable segment of the community. Appropriate evidence-based feeding practices are essential for attaining and maintaining proper nutrition and health. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Methodology: We conducted a comparative cross sectional study in ten intervention and non-intervention districts of Tigray regional state from July to December 2016. Using a lottery method, we randomly enrolled 942 study participants from all mothers/caregivers with a child <2 years. A face to face interview was done using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics was used to compare the differences. Result:  Sixty-five percent of the intervention group and 48.4% of the non-intervention group of mothers/caregivers of children <2 years were found to have good practices. Moreover, 68% of the mothers/care givers in the intervention group and 56% of the non-intervention group have a good knowledge on infant and young child feeding. Furthermore, 61% of the intervention and 59.7% of the non-intervention group of mothers/caregivers of children <2 years were found to have good attitude towards infant and young child feeding. Residence and educational level were significantly associated with practice of infant and young child feeding. Moreover, residence, educational level, and parity were significantly associated with knowledge of infant and young child feeding. Conclusion: There was no difference in the practice and the attitude of the mothers/care givers towards infant and young child feeding in the intervention and non-intervention areas. We recommend that Tigray regional health bureau, partners and other sectors interested in nutrition intervention of children in the region should strengthen and scale up the existing nutrition intervention programs.

Keywords: Children <2 years, IYCF, knowledge, attitude, practice, Ethiopia

Cite this Article

Alemayehu Bayray, Haftu Berhe, Hailemariam Berhe, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Infant and Young Child Feeding among Mothers/ Caregivers Tigray, Ethiopia. Research & Reviews: Journal of Medical Science & Technology. 2017; 6(2): 29–40p.