Abstract:
Background
A preliminary review of nutrition reports for Harare City revealed that set targets for exclusive breastfeeding rate, timely initiation of breastfeeding, median duration of breastfeeding and stunting were not met. All these are a consequence of poor infant feeding knowledge, attitudes and practices on the child. This study aims to find out the effect of community infant and young child feeding counseling on maternal knowledge attitudes and practices on optimal infant feeding in Harare City.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study was conducted in Harare City on pregnant and lactating women. The exposure was receiving counseling in community infant and young child feeding. Interviewer administered questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and record reviews were used to collect data.
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Results
Mothers who received counseling in community infant and young child feeding had better knowledge on optimal infant and young child feeding at endpoint (mean knowledge score = 7.8, SD = 1.36 ) compared to the unexposed group (mean knowledge score = 5.4, SD = 1.53) and this was statistically significant (p = 0.005 ). Community infant and young child feeding counseling had an effect on timely initiation of breastfeeding, giving water, exclusive breastfeeding and giving solids. Most of the respondents, 92% in the exposed group had a positive attitude towards optimal infant and young child feeding practices as compared to the non-exposed group.
Conclusion
