Publications

Background: Complementary feeding (CF) helps in bridging the transition from exclusive breastfeeding to solid foods, in
children aged 6–24 months. Too early, delayed or inappropriate CFs can lead to malnutrition in a child. Objectives: This
study was done to assess the awareness and appropriateness regarding CF among mothers of children aged 6–24 months
in a rural maternity hospital, Karnataka, and to understand the barriers and facilitating factors in adopting appropriate
CF practices. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based mixed methods study. An interview schedule captured
knowledge and practice of IYCF. Responses were scored. Qualitative component consisted of focus group discussions
with mothers and their caregivers and in-depth interviews with nurses and ASHA workers. Results: Of the 210 mothers
interviewed, 78.6% correctly knew when to initiate CF and 57.1% practiced appropriate CF and 75.2% gave drinking
water before 6 months. Commonly used CF were rice, ragi, and fruits in semisolid consistency. The key qualitative themes
identified were cultural practices regarding CF, responsive feeding, homemade versus commercially available CF, and
continued breastfeeding with CF. Conclusion: Awareness among mothers regarding CF was good, but this knowledge did
not translate into appropriateness of CF in terms of timing of introduction and quality of feeds. Age and parity of the mother
were associated with better awareness of CF. Having more than 1 living child and better awareness of CF were associated
with appropriate CF practices. There should be more focus on creating awareness among mothers, especially primiparous
and young mothers.