DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i03.006

Pages: 1074-1078

Adequate nutrition in first 24 months through optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is fundamental for the growth and development of a child. 60% of the under five deaths are directly or indirectly related to malnutrition. Lack of knowledge of caregivers, poverty and local cultural practices can lead to poor child feeding practices which can be improved by proper nutritional counselling. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of mothers on Infant and Young Child Feeding practices before and after nutrition education. Mothers of the children admitted to pediatric wards in Government General Hospital, Kakinada were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire. Their knowledge scores before and after nutritional counselling were recorded. Out of 500 mothers enrolled in the study, 97.6% of the mothers had knowledge on feeding of colostrum, and 85% were aware of adequate night feeds. Knowledge on other aspects of breastfeeding like initiation of breastfeeds (60%), exclusive breastfeeds for 6 months (66.6%) and continuation of breastfeeds for 2 years (48.8%) was low. 62% of the mothers had knowledge on correct age of introduction of complementary feeds. There is statistically significant improvement in the knowledge of mothers after nutritional education. Nutritional education programmes can improve the knowledge of mothers on IYCF practices.