Level and Predictors of Mothers’ Knowledge and Attitude on Optimal Complementary Feeding in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction: Attaining the recommended level of complementary feeding practice remains a major public health concern in developing countries including Ethiopia. The ability of the mothers to apply the recommended feeding practice is associated with their knowledge and attitude on optimal complementary feeding. It is essential to examine the level and predictors of mothers’ knowledge and attitude on optimal complementary feeding to design evidenced-based effective intervention strategies. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia from February to March 2017. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was applied to select the study subjects. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and processed and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of mothers’ knowledge and attitude on complementary feeding. Results: Overall, 60% and 51% of mothers had good knowledge and favorable attitude towards optimal complementary feeding, respectively. Predictors of mothers’ knowledge on optimal complementary feeding were maternal educational status AOR=2; 95% CI: 1.15– 3.43, paternal educational status AOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.26– 5.13, ANC status AOR=3.5; 95% CI: 1.9– 7.47, place of delivery AOR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.13– 2.83, PNC status AOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.32– 3.73, and IYCF counseling AOR= 2.5; 95% CI: 1.46– 7.52. Likewise, maternal educational status AOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.49– 4.02, ANC status AOR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.54– 4.57, IYCF counseling AOR= 2.2; 95% CI: 1.47– 4.89, and possession of radio AOR= 1.8; 95% CI: 1.35– 3.82 were significantly associated with mothers’ attitude towards optimal complementary feeding. Conclusion: The overall level of mothers’ knowledge and attitude on optimal complementary feeding was not appreciable. Hence, behavior change interventions on optimal complementary feeding focusing on age-specific meal frequency and diversification; feeding during and after illness and the negative impact of bottle feeding should be strengthened in the community. Keywords: knowledge, attitude, complementary feeding