The Mothers’ Knowledge of Infant Feeding Habits in the Community Oriented Health Care Centre of Kermanshah(2003)

Introduction: It is well known that one of the non-organic causes of failure to thrive is the lack of knowledge in mothers regarding feeding habits and this factor can be prevented by training. The purpose of the present study was to find the level of mother’s knowledge regarding feeding habits of infants and its relationship with some ethiological factors in those who are supported by Community Oriented Health Care Centre of Kermanshah University (COHCCKU).

Materials and Methods: 200 mothers were selected from COHCCKU for a descriptive study. The demographic data of children and parents were collected and subjects were classified into four groups based on the ages of infants. Group A < 6 months, group B: 6-7 months, group C: 7- 8 months and group D 8 -12 months old. Also a questionnaire based on the ages of the infants regarding feeding habits, which included breast-feeding and nutritional supplements which the mothers had received from COHCCKU was given to the mothers to complete. Data was analysed by using Pierson correlation coefficient and chi-square.

Results: This study showed that 53% of mothers were not aware of appropriate feeding procedures. Only 9.6% had satisfactory knowledge and 37.4% of them had semi-satisfactory knowledge. Poor knowledge in uneducated mothers was statistically higher than the educated group (P=0.034). The nutritional knowledge of the mothers based on the number of children was statistically higher among those with more children. (P=0.037).

Conclusion: The result of this study supports other earlier studies and shows that some mothers do not know how to feed up their infants and which nutrients are beneficial. Improved education will succeed in preventing malnutrition and its side effects including gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, anaemia and retardation in cognitive functions.

This result might be useful for policy making and improving the quality and quantity of education in mothers who have infants. It is recommended that further studies be carry out to enhance the knowledge of mothers.