Maternal Knowledge and Complementary Feeding Practices and their Relationship with Nutritional Status Among Children 6-23 Months Old in Pastoral Community of Marsabit County, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Appropriate complementary feeding practices have positive impact on health and growth of children aged 6-23 months. Little is known about complementary feeding practices among the pastoralists. The aim of this study was to document the influence of maternal knowledge on child feeding and complementary practices on the nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months amongst a pastoral community in Kenya. A WHO standard validated questionnaire was used to collect data from 289 randomly selected mothers/primary caregivers and their children aged 6-23 months. The interviews were conducted through face-to-face in a one-time household visit. The findings showed that half (50.2%) of the children received complementary foods at the age of six months. The proportion of breastfed and non-breastfed children that achieved the recommended Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF) was 28.7% and 2.6% respectively. About one-quarter (23.9%) achieved the recommended Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). A total of 5.9% achieved the Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). Majority of the mothers/caregivers (95.1%) knew that children should be encouraged to feed while 61.6% knew that children should be fed more frequently during and after illness. The timing of introduction of complementary feeding ([OR]=0.307, P=0.001) and child’s dietary diversity ([OR]=3.112, P=0.020 were predictors of wasting among the children while timing of introduction of complementary feeding ([OR]=0.226, P=0.000) and maternal knowledge on the duration of breastfeeding ([OR]=6.359, P=0.012) predicted child underweight.. Complementary feeding practices are not optimal and the nutritional status of the children is poor. Complementary feeding practices predicted child nutritional status whereas maternal/caregivers’ knowledge on complementary feeding practices had limited impact on child nutrition status.

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Determinants and Current Level of Optimal Complementary Feeding Practices among Lactating Mothers of Children in Ambo Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

10.46619/fpns.2020.1-1004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 31-50

Author(s):

Haile Abebe ◽

◽

Belay Assefa ◽

Keyword(s):

Complementary Feeding ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Current Level ◽

Meal Frequency ◽

Maternal Knowledge ◽

Complementary Foods ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chi Square Test

An appropriate diet is critical in the growth and development of children especially in the first two years of life. Poor complementary feeding of children aged 6 months - 23 months contributes to the characteristics negative growth trends and deaths observed in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess determinants and current level of optimal complementary feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6 months to 23 months in Ambo town, Oromia Region. The study used cross sectional study design and targeted 336 mothers with children 6 months - 23 months olds. Information from the respondents were collected using standard questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 windows statistical software. All (100%) the children 6 months - 8 months old had received solid, semi-solid/soft foods. The minimum meal frequency was attained by 88.3% (95% CI 84.3-91.4) whereas the minimum dietary diversity was attained by 17.9% (95% CI 14.1-22.5). The minimum acceptable diet was attained by 15.4% (95% CI 11.9-19.8). Maternal knowledge on: importance of breastfeeding (87.3%); age of introduction of complementary foods (85.4%) and correct meal frequency for age (74.5%) was high. On the contrary, knowledge on the importance of enriching complementary foods (34.5%) was low. Mothers who knew the importance of a diverse diet were likely (chi-square test; p=0.001) to feed their children on a diverse diet. On the other hand, mothers who knew the importance of enriching complementary foods were likely to feed their children on a minimum acceptable diet (chi-square test; p = 0.007) and maternal knowledge on enriching complementary foods (OR = 3.41, p = 0.040) were significant predictors of consumption of Vitamin A rich foods, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet, respectively. Behaviour change and communication involving all the stakeholders in infant and young child feeding should be emphasized. Messages on appropriate feeding practices should include importance of dietary diversity

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Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by complementary feeding along with breastfeeding is crucial for proper growth and development of a child. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the feeding practice of mothers ha

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences ◽

10.37107/jhas.27 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 14-20

Author(s):

Dipika Khatri ◽

Naveen Shrestha

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Growth And Development ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Feeding Practice ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutrition Messages

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by complementary feeding along with breastfeeding is crucial for proper growth and development of a child. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the feeding practice of mothers having the children 6-23 months in Kaski district and to correlate the relationship between complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children 6-23 months. A community-based cross sectional analytical study was conducted among 453 mothers having the children 6-23 months, applying cluster sampling technique and using the structured questionnaire, salter scale weighing machine, stadiometer and sakir tape were used as research tools. From all respondents 67% started complementary feeding at 6-8 months of age. The practices of minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet were 93.8%, 45.9% and 42.4% among mothers of 6–23 months aged children, respectively. More than half of children have worst feeding practices. Types of family, mother’s education, father’s education, mother’s occupation were significantly associated with feeding practices. In term of nutritional status, 62.26% of children were stunted, 7.3% of children were underweight and 3.4% of children were wasted. Feeding practices were significantly associated with children nutritional status based on wasting and mid upper arm circumference. Overall in Kaski district, it was found that majority of mother had poor feeding practices which contribute to the under nutrition. Nutrition messages on Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices (IYCF) should emphasis dietary diversity and frequency of feeding for all the children. Keywords: Associated factors, Children, Feeding practices, Nutritional status

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Inadequate management of complementary foods contributes to the risk of aflatoxin exposure and low nutrition status among children

World Mycotoxin Journal ◽

10.3920/wmj2018.2354 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 67-76 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

N. Makori ◽

A. Matemu ◽

M. Kimanya ◽

N. Kassim

Keyword(s):

Young Children ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Dietary Exposure ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Complementary Food ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Complementary Foods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Infant And Young Children

Early exposure to aflatoxins through complementary food is linked to impaired growth in childhood. The current study assessed the household’s practices on management of complementary foods in relation to the risk of aflatoxin exposure and poor nutritional status among infant and young children in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study of complementary feeding practices, aflatoxin exposure and nutritional status was conducted to 101 infants and young children aged between 6-23 months in Dodoma region of Tanzania. The intake of complementary food was estimated by using repeated 24 h dietary recall. Flour used as complementary food was sampled from each of the 101 families and aflatoxins were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. A deterministic approach was used to estimate dietary exposure of aflatoxins in the complementary foods. Anthropometric measurements were taken and rates of stunting, underweight and wasting estimated according to the WHO standard procedures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between feeding practices and aflatoxin exposure or the growth performance among subjects. The average consumption of complementary flour was 118 g per child per day and 52% of the flours contained groundnuts. AFB1was detected in 42.5% of the flour and levels ranged from 0.3 to 2,128.0 μg/kg (mean 228.11±49.84 μg/kg). Dietary exposures of aflatoxin B1ranged from 0.1 to 23,172.81 ng/kg body weight per day (mean 1,337±392.5 ng/kg). Of the subjects, 40.4% (95% CI; 29.8; 50.9) were stunted and significant association was found between stunted growth and dietary exposure of AFB1(adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=5.9; 95% CI: 0.019-0.028). Early introduction of cereal-and groundnut-based complementary foods in Tanzania is associated with high risk of aflatoxin exposure and impaired growth in children. There is need to integrate aflatoxin management measures in the guidelines for Infant and Young Children Feeding of Tanzania.

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Path Analysis on the Determinants of Complementary Feeding Practice

Childhood Stunting, Wasting, and Obesity, as the Critical Global Health Issues: Forging Cross-Sectoral Solutions ◽

10.26911/the7thicph.03.103 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Renidya Asyura Muttabi’ Deya Fa’ni ◽

◽

Yulia Lanti Retno Dewi ◽

Isna Qadrijati ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Path Analysis ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Family Income ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Feeding Practice ◽

Maternal Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Child Nutritional Status

ABSTRACT Background: Complementary feeding practice is needed to be optimized to maximize children’s potential for growth and development. However, there are still many obstacles in provide complementary feeding practice. This study aimed to examine the determinants of complementary feeding practice. Subjects and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from October to November 2019. A sample of 200 mothers who had infants aged 6-24 months was selected by probability sampling. The dependent variable was complementary feeding practice. The independent variables were birthweight, child nutritional status, maternal knowledge toward complementary feeding, maternal education, and family income. The data were collected by infant weight scale, infantometer, and questionnaire. The data were analyzed by a multiple logistic regression run on Stata 13. Results: Complementary feeding practice increased with birthweight ≥2500 g (b= 2.67; 95% CI=0.59 to.89; p= 0.008), child nutritional status (WHZ) -2.0 to 2.0 SD (b= 2.72; 95% CI=o.75 to 4.61; p= 0.006), high maternal knowledge toward complementary feeding (b= 2.27; 95% CI= 0.27 to 3.79; p= 0.023), maternal education ≥Senior high school (b= 2.19; 95% CI= 0.23 to 4.25; p= 0.028), and family income ≥Rp 1,571,000 (b= 2.42; 95% CI= 0.39 to 3.77; p= 0.015). Conclusion: Complementary feeding practice increases with birthweight ≥2500 g, good child nutritional status, high maternal knowledge toward complementary feeding, high maternal education, and high family income. Keywords: complementary feeding, path analysis Correspondence: Renidya Asyura Muttabi’ Deya Fa’ni. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia. Email: [email protected]. Mobile: +62 815 3934 0421. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.03.103

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FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI STATUS GIZI BALITA DI PUSKESMAS NELAYAN KOTA CIREBON

JI-KES (Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan) ◽

10.33006/ji-kes.v1i1.41 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andy Muharry ◽

Isti Kumalasari ◽

Eka Rosmayanti Dewi

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Random Sampling ◽

Growth And Development ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Family Income ◽

Influential Factor ◽

Physical Growth ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Maternal Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstrakBalita merupakan kelompok usia yang memerlukan asupan gizi yang cukup baik karena pada masa ini terjadi proses pertumbuhan dan perkembangan yang sangat pesat. Kekurangan gizi pada masa ini akan menyebabkan kegagalan pertumbuhan fisik dan perkembangan kecerdasan. Beberapa faktor yang terkait dengan status gizi balita yaitu kondisi sosial ekonomi, pendidikan ibu, jumlah anak dan pengetahuan ibu. Adapun prevalensi gizi kurang di wilayah kerja Puseksmas Nelayan lebih tinggi dari rata-rata prevalensi gizi kurang di Kota Cirebon yaitu sebesar 10,9%. Tujuan penelitian yaitu menganalisis faktor yang mempengaruhi status gizi balita usia 12-24 tahun. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Populasi adalah balita usia 12-24 bulan. Sampel berjumlah 93 orang diambil dengan teknik proportional random sampling. Instrumen penelitian berupa lembar kuesioner. Analisis data dilakukan dengan analisis univariabel, bivariabel dan multivariabel. Hasil analisis dengan chi square didapatkan variabel yang hubungan dengan status gizi balita yaitu pengetahuan ibu (p=0,003; OR=3,68) pendapatan keluarga (p=0,003; OR=3,702). Faktor yang paling berpengaruh terhadap status gizi balita yaitu keaktifan posyandu. Pengetahuan ibu yang kurang tentang gizi balita, pendapatan keluarga yang rendah dan keaktifan posyandu yang tidak aktif merupakan faktor yang mempengaruhi status gizi balita usia 12-24 bulan. Ibu agar tetap aktif mebawa balita ke posyandu dan meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang gizi balita. Kata kunci: pengetahuan, pendapatan keluarga, keaktifan posyandu, status gizi, balita AbstractToddlers are the age group that needs a good enough nutritional intake because there is a process of growth and development very rapidly. Malnutrition will lead to failure of physical growth and development of intelligence. Several factors related to the nutritional status of toddlers are socio-economic conditions, maternal education, number of children and mother's knowledge. The prevalence of less nutrition in the working area of Nelayan Public Health Centers is higher than the average prevalence of malnutrition in Cirebon City. The purpose of this research to analyze factors that influence the nutritional status of toddlers. This research uses analytic design with cross sectional approach. The population is children aged 12-24 months. A sample of 93 people was taken with proportional random sampling technique. The research instrument is a questionnaire. Data were analized by univariable, bivariable and multivariable. The result showed that the correlation between nutrition status of toddler was maternal knowledge (p = 0,003; OR = 3,68), family income (p = 0,003; OR = 3,702). The most influential factor on the nutritional status of toddlers is the activeness of posyandu. Mother to remain active to bring toddlers to posyandu and improve knowledge about child nutrition. Keywords: knowledge, family income, activeness of posyandu, nutritional status, toddler

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Feeding Practices of Children Aged 0-59 Months Accompanying Incarcerated Mothers in Selected Women’s Prisons in Kenya

The Open Nutrition Journal ◽

10.2174/1874288201711010001 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mary N. Makau ◽

Sophie Ochola ◽

Dorcus Mbithe

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Incarcerated Mothers ◽

Dietary Practices ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Young Child Feeding ◽

Women's Prisons ◽

Breastfeeding Rate

Infant and young child feeding practices have substantial consequences for the growth, development, and survival of children. Children should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life and thereafter continue to breastfeed for 2 years or longer. Children are vulnerable to malnutrition thus nutrition and health status of the confined children is of interest. The purpose of this study was to establish feeding practices of children 0-59 months incarcerated with their mothers in selected women’s prisons in Kenya. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on an exhaustive sample of 202 children and 193 mothers, drawn from a sample of eight out of the 35 women prisons in Kenya. Data collection tools included: a structured researcher-administered questionnaire for mothers and children. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 69.4%; continued breastfeeding at 1 and 2 years year (88.5%; 52.2%). The mean Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was 3.52 ± 1.04 foods groups out of 7 groups with 53.3% having attained the minimum DDS and 86.5% of breastfed children having attained the minimum frequency meal consumption. About half of the children (48.6%) attained the minimum acceptable diet. In terms of nutritional status, 21.4% of the children were stunted, 3.8% wasted and 7.5% were underweight. Dietary practices were associated with underweight; not attaining the minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet was associated with underweight (p = 0.012; p = 0.014); Illness 2 weeks prior to the study was correlated with underweight (p=0.012). Feeding practices significantly influenced nutritional status among children accompanying incarcerated mothers in prisons in Kenya.

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Factors Associated With Recommended Complementary Feeding Practices Among Children in Sidama and Oromia Regions in Ethiopia

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab035_072 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 164-164

Author(s):

Ana Moyeda Carabaza ◽

Mary Murimi ◽

Alemneh Kabeta Daba ◽

Jessie Vipham

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

International Development ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Maternal Employment ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Feed The Future

Abstract Objectives To determine complementary feeding practices (CFP) among 6-to-23-month-old children and to identify associations between maternal and household characteristics with CFP. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted among rural communities located within the Sidama and Oromia regions in Ethiopia. Pairs of mothers and their children (N = 190) were randomly selected to participate in the survey. Data was collected using the WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding indicators, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and Knowledge on CFP. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze factors associated with CFP. Results Most (87.4%) of the children achieved minimum meal frequency, while only 27.4% achieved minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and 26.8% minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Majority (80%) of the households were food insecure, with 40% of the households reporting severe food insecurity. Half (50.0%) of participating mothers showed poor levels of knowledge on CFP. Children of employed mothers were more likely to meet MDD (P = .014) and achieve MAD (P = .034). Furthermore, children of mothers that had adequate knowledge on the recommended CFP were more likely to achieve MDD (P < .001) and MAD (P < .001). In contrast, children living in households with an estimated annual income lower than $254 dollars were less likely to achieve MDD (P < .05) and MAD (P < .05). Similarly, children living in households with moderate to severe levels of food insecurity were less likely to achieve MDD (P = .003 and P = .012, respectively) and MAD (P = .005 and P = .023, respectively). Conclusions Complementary feeding practices were suboptimal in the Sidama and Oromia region in Ethiopia. Low household income and food insecurity seem to hinder the achievement of MDD and MAD, while maternal employment and knowledge on CFP contributed to a diversified and adequate diet among children. Thus, policies and interventions that target poverty, food insecurity, maternal unemployment, and nutrition education are necessary for the improvement of CFP. Funding Sources United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Food Security as part of Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems.

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Feeding practices of children aged 0 to 24 months with clefts attending a specialized hospital in Uganda

10.21203/rs.2.16333/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Maureen Nabatanzi ◽

Gloria Kimuli Seruwagi ◽

Florence Basiimwa Tushemerirwe ◽

David Lubogo

Keyword(s):

Child Nutrition ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

World Health ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Oral Clefts ◽

Feeding Difficulties

Abstract Background: Appropriate feeding practices are vital for child nutrition. Despite a low incidence of 0.73 in 1000, Ugandan children with oral clefts face feeding difficulties that affect their feeding practices, nutrition status and health.Objective: To determine the feeding practices, techniques and maternal feeding knowledge among children with oral clefts attending Comprehensive Rehabilitative Services of Uganda (CoRSU) HospitalMethods: This survey was part of a cross-sectional study on feeding practices, mothers’ experiences and support. We consecutively sampled 32 mothers of children with oral clefts aged 0 to 24 months attending CoRSU hospital between April and May, 2018. A structured questionnaire collected data on feeding practices, techniques and maternal feeding knowledge. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: Most children (56%) had cleft lip and palate. Early initiation of breastfeeding was 44% and exclusive breastfeeding was 35%. None continued breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Timely introduction of complementary foods was 75%. 58% met the minimum dietary diversity score, 83% met the minimum meal frequency and 33% received a minimum acceptable diet. 75% of the mothers used bottles, cups and spoons in feeding their children. Majority preferred the specialized soft bottle (50%). 28% of the mothers were knowledgeable on the World Health Organization recommended feeding practices. Conclusions: This cleft group had suboptimal feeding practices since none of the children breastfed beyond 12 months and only one third received an acceptable diet. Varied feeding techniques were employed to improve feeding; majority preferred the specialized soft bottle. Most mothers had inadequate knowledge on feeding. There is need to improve the feeding guidance given to mothers of children with oral clefts. Our findings can guide the design of appropriate feeding interventions for this group.

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Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Complementary Feeding and Child Undernutrition in the Vakinankaratra Region of Madagascar: A Mixed-Methods Study

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa162 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (11) ◽

Author(s):

Hasina Rakotomanana ◽

Deana Hildebrand ◽

Gail E Gates ◽

David G Thomas ◽

Fanjaniaina Fawbush ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Child Growth ◽

Maternal Knowledge ◽

Complementary Foods ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Child Undernutrition

ABSTRACT Background Data are limited on how feeding knowledge and practices relate to child undernutrition in the highlands of Madagascar. Objectives This study assessed maternal knowledge and practices of complementary feeding and their associations with anthropometrics of children aged 6–23 mo in the Vakinankaratra region of Madagascar. Methods Knowledge was assessed using WHO recommendations on child feeding, and WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were used to evaluate feeding practices. Child growth was measured as length-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-length z-scores using the 2006 WHO growth standards. A z-score less than −2 was classified as child undernutrition. Logistic regression models were used to determine associations between independent variables and outcomes. Focus group discussions among mothers and in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted; barriers and facilitators of optimal feeding practices were identified using a thematic analysis approach. Results Maternal knowledge scores regarding child feeding averaged 6.4 of 11. Better knowledge scores were associated with higher odds of appropriate complementary feeding practices before and after covariate adjustments. The proportions of children achieving the minimum dietary diversity (35.8%), minimum acceptable diet (30.2%), and consuming meat, fish, and poultry (14.1%) were low. Only consumption of iron-rich foods was associated with lower odds of underweight (adjusted OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.7; P < 0.05). None of the IYCF indicators were associated significantly with stunting or wasting. Maternal attitudes about complementary foods, as well as mothers’ workload and very low income, were identified as barriers to optimal feeding practices. Maternal perceived benefits of giving appropriate complementary foods as well as their positive relationship with the community health workers were the main facilitators of optimal child feeding. Conclusions Integrated nutrition-sensitive interventions addressing these barriers while enhancing the facilitators are critical in promoting better feeding practices in the Vakinankaratra region.

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Complementary Feeding Practices and Associated Factors Among Infants and Young Children 6–23 Months in Fort Portal Kabarole District Uganda (P11-049-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz048.p11-049-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sharon Bagaaya ◽

Henry Wamani ◽

Richard Kajura

Keyword(s):

Young Children ◽

Low Income ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Infants And Young Children

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practices and associated factors among infants and young children 6–23 months in Fort Portal municipality Kabarole Uganda Methods A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 206 mothers/caregivers of infants and young children 6–23 months using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Probability proportionate to population size technique was used to select study subjects. A pretested WHO standard questionnaire for measuring infant and young child feeding practices was adopted for assessing complementary feeding practices. Appropriate complementary feeding was defined as attaining both minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity in the last 24 hours. Prevalence ratios and there 95% confidence intervals were generated. Modified poisson regression analysis method was used to generate factors associated with appropriate complementary feeding. Five focus group discussions were conducted to capture participants perceptions on appropriate complementary feeding practices. Results The prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding was 21.4%. Formal employment (PR: 7.05; CI:1.69-29.36), cohabiting (PR: 2.15; CI: 1.10-4.18) and having no child illness (PR: 1.85; CI: 0.88-4.35) were associated with appropriate complementary feeding. Qualitative results showed that inadequate information and low income as major challenges towards appropriate complementary feeding practices. Conclusions Appropriate complementary feeding practices were low. unless interventions such as; health services access and women entrepreneurship are put in place, the inappropriate complementary feeding practices are unlikely to change. Funding Sources Ministry of Health Uganda. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

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