ABSTRACT

This research work knowledge, attitude and practice of complementary feeding among mothers of infant 6-23 months was done in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Thus, to actualize the main objective of this research work the following five specific objectives were used; the Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, the age of introduction of complementary food, the Complementary feeding knowledge of the mothers in the study area, the attitudes of mothers on complementary infant feeding in the study area, the practice of complementary feeding and factors associated with complementary feeding. However, in the quest to perfect this research; cross-section survey research design was adopted, data were sourced primarily through questionnaire instrument distributed randomly to the mothers. Thus, two hundred (200) responses were gathered and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The analysis however made the following findings; most 31.0% of the mothers were 26 to 33 years old, 30% traders, most 45.5% of the mother earned N51,000 and above per month, 88.5% were mother to the child, 85.5% delivered their baby at the clinic, 44.5% of the kids were 6 to12 months old. Majority 57.5% of the mother introduced other foods to their infant apart from breastmilk at 6 months old, some 24.5% gave thick porridge, 75.0% of the respondents said because breastmilk alone is not enough. Knowledge of complementary feeding of the mothers, majority 71.20% of the mothers had good knowledge of complementary feeding, 22.1% had average knowledge, while 6.7% had poor knowledge of complementary feeding, 59.5% of the mothers had good attitude of complementary feeding, 25.6% had average attitude, while 14.9% had poor attitude of complementary feeding. Majority 60.0% stayed 6 months before given him/her semi-solid or solid food, 78.0% gave pap or custard as first food to introduce, 63.0% received information on complementary feeding. the age other foods should be introduced to infants apart from breastmilk negatively influenced the decision to their complementary feeding. In conclusion, most of the mothers received information on complementary feeding and gave reasons for their early commencement (before 6 months) of complementary foods, was advice from family and friends. This study recommends needs for proper health education of mothers on the importance of complementary feeding. Message on the promotion of hygienic practice during complementary feeding should be promoted.