Evaluation of Knowledge and Practice Regarding Weaning & Weaning Foods of Lactating Mothers

Background: Weaning is the gradual introduction of foods other than breast milk after the first six months of life, first to complement breastfeeding and later to replace it. Adequate nutrition in infancy and early childhood is essential for growth, health and development. Infants should be exclusively breastfed for six months, then breastfed with complementary foods up to two years or beyond. Objective: To assess the knowledge of lactating mothers regarding weaning and weaning foods. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Master of Public Health program at Varendra University from January to August 2018. Lactating mothers of infants aged 6 months to 2 years in Bagatipara upazila, Natore district, were selected by purposive sampling (n = 315). Data were collected with a pre-tested, partially structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16 (significance at p = 0.05 or 0.01). Results: Of 315 mothers, 294 (93.3%) knew about weaning and 21 (6.7%) did not. Overall, 82.2% correctly defined weaning, 70.8% knew the correct age, 97.8% knew weaning food is needed, 88.9% knew it supports growth and development, 83.5% knew the effects of improper weaning, and 79.3% knew late weaning causes malnutrition. Weaning began at six months for 63.5%, before six months for 34.3%, and after six months for 1.6%. Suji (52.4%) and khichuri (41.9%) were the commonest weaning foods; 61.0% fed 4-5 times daily. Conclusion: These findings may help authorities improve weaning knowledge and practice among lactating mothers in Bagatipara upazila, Natore district.