scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding infant feeding among mothers of children with severe acute malnutrition in the rural areas of Northern India

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
Dr. Divya Verma ◽  
◽  
Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh ◽  

Introduction: Malnutrition has been identified as one of the principal causes limiting India’s globaleconomic potential. The infant and young child-feeding practices determine the nutritional status,growth and ultimately the survival of infants and young children. The study aimed to assess theknowledge, attitude and practices of rural mothers with children diagnosed with severe acutemalnutrition (SAM) regarding infant feeding. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectionaldescriptive study on 116 mothers from the rural area of Northern India with children diagnosed withSAM. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding infant feeding was donethrough face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire containing 32 questions. Results:The mean age of admitted children was 14.48 ± 4.71 months. The majority of mothers (81.9%)studied till only primary school or were illiterate. The appropriate knowledge about early initiation ofbreastfeeding and the ideal time to start complementary feeding was found in 42.4% and 45.6% ofmothers respectively which was suboptimal. The attitude towards ideal breastfeeding practices waspositive in most mothers. However in practice only 59.4% of mothers exclusively breastfed theirbabies till 6 months and 54.3% delayed initiation of complementary feed beyond 9 months of age.The frequency of complementary feeding was inadequate in the 6-8 months age group as stated by88.6% of mothers and minimum dietary diversity was not followed by 68.1% of mothers.Conclusion: The knowledge and positive attitude towards infant feeding are not applied in practiceby mothers. Efforts should be made to improve knowledge, attitude and practice with an emphasison complementary feeding indicators to reduce the burden of malnutrition in the rural population.67

Author(s):  
Stephen O. Olorunfemi ◽  
Lilian Dudley

Background: The balance between the risks of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through breastfeeding and its life-saving benefits complicates decisions about infant feeding among HIV-positive mothers in the first 6 months.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of infant feeding among HIV-positive mothers attending the prevention of mother-to-child transmission services in Maseru, Lesotho.Method and setting: This observational cross-sectional study was done by collecting data from HIV-positive mothers attending the filter clinics of Queen Mamohato Memorial hospital in Maseru, Lesotho. HIV-positive mothers with infants below the age of 6 months attending the clinics at the time of the study were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire. We described the sociodemographic profile of the mothers, the information and education received on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) infant feeding options, the mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of infant feeding, and assessed risk factors for improved knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results: The majority (96%) of the 191 HIV-positive mothers who participated in the survey knew about the PMTCT programme and related breastfeeding services. Most of the participants chose to breastfeed (89%), while only 8% formula-fed their infants. Knowledge received during the PMTCT programme was significantly associated with the decision to exclusively breastfeed their infants. Earlier infant feeding counselling and education was associated with more exclusively breastfeeding as compared to late infant feeding counselling (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study found that HIV-positive mothers attending health clinics in Maseru, Lesotho, had high knowledge, and appropriate attitudes and practices with respect to infant feeding; and that early counselling and education improved infant feeding methods among these mothers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Special1) ◽  
pp. 348-356
Author(s):  
Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo ◽  
Omer Mohamed Danfour ◽  
Masud Zerzah ◽  
Mouna Abdelrahman Abujazia ◽  
Perihan Torun ◽  
...  

Background: Successful plans in disaster and epidemics management depend on the feedback response and the assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the target population. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 among Libyan people.  Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 among the Libyan people from 13-20 October 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was recruited to collect the data of 287 participants. SPSS version 16.0 was used to analyze the data using univariate and multivariable regression data analyses. Results: More than half of respondents were males (53.7%), married (61.3%), aged less than 45 years old, highly educated (46.3%), employed (44.6%), urban resident(79.8%), experience good or very good health (71.1%) and earned more than USD 200 monthly (84.3.%). The participants showed a high rate of good knowledge (81.0%), attitude (71.1%), and practice (83.7%) towards COVID-19, respectively. Regression analysis showed that married (P=0.056), female (P=0.037), living in the urban regions (P<0.001) with good income of more than USD 2020 (P=0.001) were significantly associated with upper knowledge score. Females (P=0.040) were more significantly associated with positive attitude scores than males. Regarding practice score, married (P=0.001), females (P=0.059) had better practice, but poor-rated health status (P=0.018) was significantly associated with the weak practice. Conclusion: The distinction of urban regions with good knowledge, optimistic attitudes, and acceptable practices towards COVID-19 determines the government's action compass towards more interest in supporting males, unhealthy, and those living in the rural areas with accurate and timely knowledge.


Anthropos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-66
Author(s):  
Farzana Karim ◽  
Muhammad Zakaria ◽  
N. M. Sajjadul Hoque

This study aims at assessing the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning reproductive health (RH) among adolescent college-going girls in the urban and rural areas of Chittagong District, Bangladesh. A college-based cross-sectional study was conducted among college-going girls (N = 792) of four colleges attending Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) classes (eleven/twelve classes) in Chittagong District. Data were collected using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square (χ2) and independent-samples t-test were conducted to make the comparison between urban and rural participants. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24.0. The authors’ interpretation of the findings was also informed by anthropological as well as qualitative considerations. Mothers were reported to be the key informants of reproductive health for the adolescent girls of both urban and rural areas. Besides, urban respondents were more likely than rural respondents (p < .001) to feel comfortable during the discussion on RH with mother/sister/relative; to communicate frequently with their mothers; to discuss RH issues regularly; to have prior knowledge on menstruation. Moreover, this study also found significant differences (p < .05) regarding most of the items addressing RH knowledge, attitude, and practice between adolescent girls in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh due to the existing socio-cultural disparities between the areas of residence.


Author(s):  
N. T. Katole ◽  
J. S. Kale ◽  
Meghali Kaple ◽  
S. M. Waghmare

Introduction: According to WHO, exclusive breastfeeding is essential for first 6 moth of life, afterward by six months to meet raised energy and nutrient needs of growing infant complementary feeding is necessary [1]. Proper complementary feeding very essential for the proper physical, neurocognitive development of the child. Objectives: To assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice among rural Indian mothers of age 6 to 24 month child regarding complementary feeding. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching rural hospital in India between December 2020 and June 2021. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to mothers of 6 to 24 month age children attending pediatrics outpatient department at hospital. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts; first part consist of demographic variables, second and third part regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of mother towards complementary feeding practice. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of the 250 participants, 220(88%) completed questionnaire completely and validly, 96% mothers initiated breastfeeding within first 48 hrs of birth, and about 62% mothers continue exclusive breastfeeding till six moth age. 72 % mother knew that complementary feeding should start at 6 month of age but only 66% mother able to start at that age, major reason for delayed start is mother perception that her feeding is sufficient for baby, other that family member’s advice. 64% mother believe in homemade complementary feeds and 26% mothers believe in commercial feeds, though major source of knowledge is family members (69%), electronic media(12%) also important source of knowledge while only 19% mothers get information from health professionals. Significant number of mother have knowledge about iron rich foods(63%), iodized salt (50%) etc. however only 36% mother knows about dietary diversity. During illness 52% mothers prefer to decrease in feeding while, 10% prefer to withhold it. 91% mother practice washing hands before cooking and 85% practice giving boil water to baby. However, still 70% mother practice bottle feeding for their children’s. Conclusion: Though there is good knowledge among mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding in term of age of start, type of feeding, nutrient value of feeding, importance of consistency, however still there is lack of knowledge about dietary diversity, cultural and social food taboos, bottle feeding etc. Strategies need to employ like health education, awareness programs, training programs for mothers to improve their practice and attitude towards complementary feeding.


Author(s):  
Turk T ◽  
◽  
Safdar NF ◽  
Hashmi S ◽  
Shah N ◽  
...  

Background: Adequate nutrition is a public health priority, particularly in low-income rural areas where there is a high prevalence of malnutrition and stunting. Baluchistan is an arid desert and mountainous province with the worst health indicators in Pakistan. The objective of this research study was to identify current knowledge, attitudes and practices of vulnerable women with young children residing in remote areas of Baluchistan and assess their information needs to guide the development of a BCC nutrition strategy materials and activities. Methods: This study design incorporated formative research via eight focus group discussions with demand and supply-side program beneficiaries (n=124) to assess current nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs toward kitchen gardens and proposed nutrition resources. Semi-structured interviews (n=16) were also conducted to provide program intelligence from key informants. A literature review supported the development of discussion agenda based on predominant behavioral theories. Data analysis was conducted with in vivo qualitative software coupled with grounded theory with qualitative findings triangulated. Results: The study identified important factors for the development of BCC resources and activities. Opportunities included effective nutrition education, improved income and livelihoods from kitchen gardens, women’s empowerment and gender equality. Challenges included traditional cultural practices, entrenched food preparation behaviour, environmental and infrastructural constraints. Conclusions: Lessons learned highlight the benefits of integrating formative research methods with a comprehensive literature review and behavioural theories for the development of BCC resources for nutrition programs in insecure and resource-constrained settings.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 132-144
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Emaeldin ◽  
Fatima Fadul Ali ◽  
Mohamed Osman Elamin ◽  
Elfatih Aburass

The use of insecticide leads to considerable health hazards for people, due to direct contact during application, contamination of food or drinking water. The effects of the dispersal and negligent handling of insecticide are a significant global health problem. WHO, estimated that one million unintentional acute insecticide poisonings occurred worldwide annually. It was expected that 735,000 cases of specific chronic effects and 37,000 unspecific health effects such as forms of cancer would occur annually. This emphasizes the role of awareness as a core element in protection of handlers. The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design in BahrI locality among Malaria Control workers  to assess the effect of health education on knowledge attitude and practice among Malaria Control Workers towards Chemical Insecticide Handling during the period of 2014- 2016 . A sample size of 80-targeted workers was taken by total Coverage due to the limited number of workers. Data was collected by questionnaire, observation, interviews and Reports and records. The methods used in intervention includes; training of trainers, lectures on insecticides hazard for human being and environment safe insecticides handling,   posters to explain the lectures , pamphlets about safe handling of insecticides and about insecticides poisoning and first aid of insecticides Poisoning  and videos to reinforce  the lectures. In addition use a comprehensive questionnaire pre and post to evaluate the effect of health education. Data collected was analyzed manually and by computer using SPSS program. The results revealed that knowledge of workers about the hazards of insecticides to human health increased from 80% in pre-test to 100% after the intervention. The results also showed there is an improvement of the positive attitude towards the prevention of insecticides hazards from 92% to 100% after intervention due to health education intervention. Health education intervention increases the positive behavior of workers regards eat, drinking and smoking while handling insecticides to 100% of Malaria Control Workers in post- test believe that insecticides enter to body through inhalation while in the pre- test percentage was85%, 90% of Workers in post- test believes that insecticides enter to body through eating and drinking during work, while in the pre- test percentage was 70% and 100% of Workers in post-test  believe that the insecticides enter to body through Skin while in the pre- test the percentage was 65 %.that was due to health education intervention The study concluded that health education had a remarkable improvement in knowledge attitude and practice among Malaria Control Workers and all those who were handling insecticides. The study recommended that extensive health education programs, training, required to improve the knowledge, attitudes and practices of all workers about Chemical Insecticide Handling in Bahri Locality. Further studies are needed to determine protective measures.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e017084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilesh Kumar Pravana ◽  
Suneel Piryani ◽  
Surendra Prasad Chaurasiya ◽  
Rasmila Kawan ◽  
Ram Krishna Thapa ◽  
...  

BackgroundMalnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of 5 years in low and middle income countries like Nepal. Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are nine times more likely to die than children without malnutrition. The prevalence of SAM has increased in Nepal over the past 15 years; however, the determinants of SAM have not been clearly assessed in the country.ObjectiveTo assess the determinants of SAM among children aged 6–59 months in the Bara district of Nepal.SettingA community-based case–control study was conducted in 12 randomly selected Village Development Committees (VDCs) of the Bara district of Nepal.ParticipantsA random sample of 292 children aged 6–59 months (146 as cases and 146 as controls) from 12 VDCs were included in this study.ResultsThe prevalence of SAM among children under the age of 5 years was 4.14%. The following factors were significantly associated with SAM: low socioeconomic status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 17.13, 95% CI 5.85 to 50.13); mother’s age at birth <20 or >35 years (AOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.30 to 7.94); birth interval <24 months (AOR 4.09, 95% CI 1.87 to 8.97); illiterate father (AOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.62 to 8.20); bottle feeding (AOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.73 to 12.03); and not initiating complementary feeding at the age of 6 months (AOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.73 to 12.03). Mother’s educational level, initiation of breastfeeding, colostrum feeding, and exclusive breastfeeding were not significantly associated with SAM.ConclusionThe mother's age at birth, birth interval, socioeconomic status, father’s educational level and initiation of complementary feeding at the age of 6 months were important determinants of SAM among children. A multi-sector approach is essential to address SAM. There is a need for further studies not only focusing on SAM but also moderate acute malnutrition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-231
Author(s):  
Sivasakthi Sivasakthi K ◽  
Koshila Koshila KS ◽  
Sajeer Mohammed K ◽  
Viswa Viswa S

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Azagoh-Kouadio Richard ◽  
Yeboua Kossonou Roland ◽  
Yao Kouassi Christian ◽  
Kouassi-Kouadio Amenan Cécile ◽  
Aholi Jean Michel ◽  
...  

Introduction. In sub-Saharan Africa, many adolescents living with HIV adopt behaviors and practices at risk of transmitting this infection. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV-positive adolescents regarding the transmission of HIV for the prevention of this disease. Methods. Knowledge Attitude Practical Survey (KAP) conducted from June 20 to August 22, 2018 in pediatrics at the University Hospital of Treichville. It included consenting HIV-positive adolescents followed up in the voluntary testing counseling unit. The variables studied related to sociodemographic aspects, knowledge, attitude, and practice relating to the transmission of HIV. The analysis was descriptive. Results. The active queue was 349 children, including 210 adolescents. Fifty adolescents (22 boys and 28 girls) participated in the study, a participation rate of 24%. The average age of the participants was 16 years (extreme 10 and 19 years). The respondent was an orphan (38%), a secondary school (58%), and separated living parents in 42%. He stated that he did not know he was infected in 62%, and that he had sex with at least one partner in 54%. He knew the modes of transmission and the means of prevention in 72% of the cases. He knew that an HIV-positive adolescent could transmit the disease in 68%, and that HIV/AIDS was incurable in 40%. 42% of respondents said that an infected person on ARVs was contagious. Twenty-nine respondents who had a partner said they had unprotected sex in 58%. All of the adolescents surveyed said that they did not talk to friends and family about HIV. Conclusion. The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of HIV-positive adolescents regarding HIV/AIDS transmission is insufficient. We suggest setting up a therapeutic HIV/AIDS education program for these adolescents.


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