Impact of economic crisis on attitudes & practices about complementary feeding among mothers of 6 - 24 months children in selected PHM areas of Batticaloa MOH

Abstract

Complementary feeding is critical for growing children specially 6 - 24 months of age as it bridges the nutritional gap between breast feeding. By our study, we attempted to evaluate current practices, attitudes & impact of financial conditions to these areas after the economic crisis in 2021. The objectives of the study is to assess the impact of economic crisis on attitudes & practices about complementary feeding among mothers of 6 – 24 months children in selected PHM areas of Batticaloa MOH. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted targeting 254 study population which were selected by simple randomized sampling method. The selected PHM areas in Batticaloa MOH area were Puliyanthivu, Kottamunai (I & II), Veechukalmuai. The study was conducted using interviewer administered questionnaire at immunization clinics with appropriate guidance. Above objective was achieved using descriptive statistics. 75% of target population (190) participated for the study. Majority (84.7%) of participants had positive attitude regarding complementary feeding. 98% of mothers accepted the importance of feeding their children slowly & patiently while 96% of mothers believed pre counseling helped them to improve feeding skills. 77% of mothers awarded about importance of feeding several meals per day. Majority of mothers continued complementary feeding while their children were ill. About half of participants waited until teeth development to start solid foods. All participants had started complementary feeding at the time the study conducted & among them, majority (80.5%) had started at 6 months of age. None of mothers had started complementary feeding beyond 6 months. 88% of mothers continued breast feeding along with complementary feeding but only half of them practiced breast feeding on demand. Almost all mothers maintained appropriate hygienic measures. 57% of mothers felt the cost of feeding this child was higher compare to previous child. Majority (80%) of financially unstable mothers who received samurdhi allowances had positive attitude regarding complementary feeding. Majority of mothers had positive attitude regarding complementary feeding and aware of continuing breast feeding beyond 6 months of age. They followed WHO recommended age-appropriate meal frequency and consistency along with proper hygienic measures. Even though breast feeding on demand along with the complementary feeding was not much established. Further, significant reduction of consuming commercially available food items were noted, while majority were able to maintain recommended meal frequency though financial obstacles.