Maternal knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding complementary feeding in children aged 6 to 24 months

Abstract

Introduction: It is important to note that exclusive breastfeeding should be until 6 months of age and then start with complementary feeding. Breastfeeding promotes optimal growth and prevents the presence of comorbidities, their influx on cognitive development and the early prevention of chronic diseases. Objectives: The objective of this study is to carry out an analysis of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers about complementary feeding in children from 6 to 24 months of age in the parish of La Paz, province of Carchi-Ecuador, in order to achieve the identification of best practices aimed at strengthening the proposed categories. Methodology: Participants were selected under specific criteria and correlations between demographic variables and aspects of complementary feeding were analyzed using box plots and Pearson's coefficient. Results: The results showed differences in understanding and attitudes between the groups of both centers. In the CSLP (CSLP), a wide range of responses was observed in the knowledge, unlike the CSSG (CSSG), where there was greater uniformity. Attitudes also varied, with more variability in CSLP and greater consistency in CSSG. In addition, significant differences in practices were noted between the two centers. A moderate correlation between practices and attitudes was identified, and a positive but limited relationship between knowledge and practices. Conclusions: The Chi-square test revealed a sincere relationship in knowledge between the groups, while no significant differences were found in practices and attitudes. The study highlights the importance of improving complementary feeding education among mothers to promote healthy habits and child well-being, given the direct correlation between mothers' level of knowledge and their eating practices. General Study Area: Health. Specific area of study: Nursing. Type of study: literature review.