KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF MOTHERS OF UNDER FIVE YEARS CHILDREN REGARDING WEANING PRACTICES IN DISTRICT CHARSADDA

Objectives Globally, malnutrition is still considered as the main determinant and is affecting early childhood growth and development. The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge, and practice of under-five-years mothers regarding weaning practices, in District Charsadda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar; at the DHQ Hospital, District Charsadda, from April to September 2018. A total of n=129 mothers of were selected to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding weaning practices. Convenience sampling technique was used. The data was collected through structured questionnaire and results were analyzed and presented in form to tables. Results Among the study participants (n=129); 60.47% were in age range of 25-35 years, 25.58% were doing job; 65.12% were illiterate, and 63.57% belonged to rural setup. Approximately, 79.84% were practicing weaning, 86.04% started weaning at 4 to 6 months, 37.21% continued weaning for 2 years, 53.49% gave mixed weaning food, 17.05% Kitchree/ Rice, 19.38% bananas; 10.08% gave vegetables, 41.09% gave 1 to 2 times and only 27.13% gave more than 4 times weaning food per day. Conclusion It was concluded that mothers had average knowledge, a positive attitude and were following adequate weaning practices. Moreover, mother’s age, education status, and rural-urban setup greatly affect the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding weaning practices. Thus needed to interventions from the relevant sectors to increase the knowledge of mothers regarding weaning practices so to avoid morbidity and mortality among under five year’s children.