Knowledge, attitude, and practice among mothers toward breastfeeding and complementary feeding in community health setting, Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding for the first six months and complementary feeding until twelve months are crucial for child growth. A mother's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on infant feeding significantly impact infant development.

OBJECTIVE: To assess mothers' KAP toward breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study of 200 mothers with 18- to 24-month-old children at six suburban health clinics in Malaysia. Data were collected via a self-explanatory questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Spearman's Rho.

RESULTS: Most mothers had good KAP: 72.5 % had good knowledge, 75.5 % had a positive attitude, and 87 % had good practice. Factors such as maternal age (30-39), multiparity, and vaginal delivery were associated with KAP. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.591) and attitude and practice (r = 0.525).

CONCLUSIONS: Continued education on breastfeeding and complementary feeding is essential for improving infant feeding practice, and enhancing child development, potentially reducing healthcare costs.