Pilot Study On Assessing Breastfeeding And Complementary Feeding Knowledge And Practice Among Mothers Of Children Under 2 Years Old

Abstract

Background: Child nutrition in the first two years lays the foundation for a healthy lifespan of children. Mothers’ knowledge of breast feeding, and complementary feeding is essential to ensure their babies get the required nutrition, and develop good eating habits. One of the main factors which is associated with child malnutrition is lack of parental knowledge and improper feeding patterns, especially during these critical first two years.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of a questionnaire developed to assess Maldivian mothers’ knowledge and practices on breastfeeding and complementary feeding of children under two years of age in the Maldives.

Methods: The survey was done among 54 mothers with children under 2 years of age. A validated questionnaire from a previous study was adapted.  The questionnaire had sections, on demography, knowledge, practice and perception on breastfeeding and complementary feeding. EFA and Cronbach Alpha were calculated. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the knowledge and practice scores of breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

Results: The item validity was highly relevant. All the experts rated the items as relevant or highly relevant. The value for Cronbach Alpha was 0.62. EFA revealed 5 broad dimensions of feeding. Complementary feeding knowledge and practice was low compared with breastfeeding knowledge and practice.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the questionnaire which was piloted was reliable and valid which can be used to collect data on breastfeeding and complementary feeding knowledge and practice among Maldivian mothers.