Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Mothers Toward Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding in Community Health Setting, Malaysia

Overview

Journal Heliyon

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2024 Nov 18

PMID 39553637

Authors

Halimah Jalil

Mei-Chan Chong

Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin

Li-Ping Wong

Nant Thin Thin Hmwe

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding for the first six months and complementary feeding until twelve months are crucial for child growth. A mother's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on infant feeding significantly impact infant development.

Objective: To assess mothers' KAP toward breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 200 mothers with 18- to 24-month-old children at six suburban health clinics in Malaysia. Data were collected via a self-explanatory questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Spearman's Rho.

Results: Most mothers had good KAP: 72.5 % had good knowledge, 75.5 % had a positive attitude, and 87 % had good practice. Factors such as maternal age (30-39), multiparity, and vaginal delivery were associated with KAP. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.591) and attitude and practice (r = 0.525).

Conclusions: Continued education on breastfeeding and complementary feeding is essential for improving infant feeding practice, and enhancing child development, potentially reducing healthcare costs.

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