Maternal, infant and young child feeding knowledge and associated factors among mothers and caregivers in Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania

Maternal, Infant and Young Child Feeding (MIYCF) practices are essential for child survival, growth, and development. However, maternal knowledge of breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and micronutrient supplementation remains inadequate in many low-resource settings. Using data from the Grow ENRICH Project, this study assessed MIYCF knowledge among mothers and caregivers in selected districts of Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania and examined socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge levels. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among mothers and caregivers of children under five years in Kenya ( n = 481), Somalia ( n = 400), and Tanzania ( n = 462). Data were collected on knowledge of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, complementary feeding, breastfeeding benefits, and maternal micronutrient supplementation. MIYCF knowledge was assessed using a 19-item questionnaire, generating a composite score ranging from 0 to 19. Chi-square tests examined associations between MIYCF knowledge and literacy, community health worker (CHW) visits, nutrition counselling, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and travel time to health facilities. Overall MIYCF knowledge was highest in Kenya, followed by Somalia and Tanzania. Knowledge of early initiation of breastfeeding was highest in Kenya (95.0%), followed by Somalia (84.0%) and Tanzania (63.2%). Knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months was high in Tanzania (96.3%), Kenya (95.0%), and Somalia (79.3%). Awareness of maternal benefits of breastfeeding was low across all countries (< 40%). Knowledge of timely complementary feeding was high in Kenya (95.4%) and Somalia (93.5%) but lower in Tanzania (61.7%). Maternal micronutrient supplementation knowledge was limited, particularly regarding deworming and magnesium sulphate. Receiving breastfeeding or complementary feeding information was strongly associated with higher MIYCF knowledge across all settings. ANC attendance was significantly associated with better knowledge in all three countries. Shorter travel time to health facilities was associated with higher MIYCF knowledge in Kenya ( p = 0.002) and Tanzania ( p = 0.002), but not Somalia ( p = 0.108). Mothers and caregivers in the three countries demonstrated strong foundational knowledge of breastfeeding and complementary feeding. However, gaps in understanding maternal breastfeeding benefits and micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy exist. Strengthening CHW counselling, expanding ANC-based nutrition education, and improving physical access to health services are essential to enhance MIYCF knowledge across East Africa. Not applicable.