Perception of Expecting Mothers on Infant Young Child Feeding: A Cross-Sectional Survey at Tertiary Care Hospital

Saba Afzal Shaikh; Shumaila Sharif; Ammara Ayub; Faheem Ahmed Subhani; Bilal Ahmed; Saima Akhtar

Saba Afzal Shaikh Associate Professor, Pediatrics, akhtar saeed medical college, Rawalpindi
Shumaila Sharif Associate Professor, Obs & gynae department, PRH, IIMC, Rawalpindi
Ammara Ayub AP, Paediatrics department, PRH, IIMC, Rawalpindi
Faheem Ahmed Subhani Associate professor, paediatrics department, PRH, IIMC, Rawalpindi
Bilal Ahmed AP, Paediatrics department, PRH, IIMC, Rawalpindi
Saima Akhtar SR, Paediatrics HFH Rawalpindi

Keywords: breastfeeding, complementary feeding, malnutrition, nutritional status

Abstract

Objective: To determine the knowledge & perception of pregnant ladies regarding infant, young child feeding.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional survey is done at Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi. Data was collected from 500 pregnant ladies visiting gynae OPD for regular antenatal checkups on a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS v 26.0. Frequencies and percentages were described for categorical variables, such as educational level, area of residence, income, number of children, working status, and responses to questions regarding weaning. A mean and standard deviation was calculated for age. The chi-square test was applied. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Results: 59.2% of mothers breastfed their previous children. Regarding milk feeding in future, 61% preferred breastfeeding while 32% were in favour of mixed feeding. 68.3% of mothers were aware of the ideal age for weaning correctly. Most of the mothers preferred to use bananas & cereals as the initial complimentary food with the frequency of 2-3 times/day. 60.5% of mothers perceived that only 2-3 spoons were sufficient for the baby at each feed and 61.5% agreed with a liquid consistency. Mothers belonging to the rural area & high socioeconomic class had better knowledge regarding weaning.

Conclusion: Knowledge of mothers regarding weaning is poor regardless of their parity, education, and advice by doctors in antenatal clinics highlighting the need for implementation of education programs for mothers as well as doctors in antenatal clinics.