Assessment of Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Infant Feeding and Their Impact on Nutritional Status: A Case of Musema Health Center (CDS) in Kayanza Health Province

Abstract

Infant feeding is essential for child growth, development, and survival. Failure to breastfeed exclusively during the first six months is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of mothers regarding infant feeding at MUSEMA Health Center, Kayanza, Burundi. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2 to September 2, 2024, involving 98 mothers of children aged 6-23 months attending the vaccination service. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate analysis (Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests) was performed with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. The child malnutrition rate was 31.6%. More than half of mothers had insufficient knowledge (57.1%), unfavorable attitudes (59.2%), and poor practices (60.2%) regarding infant feeding. Maternal knowledge was significantly associated with mother's age, education level, child's nutritional status, age of complementary feeding introduction, cause of malnutrition, timing of first breastfeeding, and drinking water sources (p < 0.05). Attitudes were significantly associated with mother's age, education level, child's sex, child's nutritional status, possession of a vegetable garden, knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding benefits, age of complementary feeding introduction, cause of malnutrition, timing of first breastfeeding, and handwashing equipment (p < 0.05). Practices were significantly associated with mother's age, number of children under 2 years, child's weight, child's nutritional status, animal husbandry, sufficient agricultural fields, cultivable area, knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding benefits, and drinking water treatment (p < 0.05). Only bivariate analysis was performed due to sample size constraints. Significant gaps exist in maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding infant feeding. Targeted nutritional education interventions and strengthened counseling services are urgently needed.