A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS REGARDING SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING FROM OF KOTLI, PATHANKOT, PUNJAB

Supplementary feeding, defined as the provision of meals, drinks, or snacks to children or families additional to their normal diets, in comparison to either normal diet or placebo (e.g., low energy drinks). The goal of supplementary feeding is the development of lifelong eating patterns which will maintain optimal health. The introduction of supplementary foods is based upon both nutritional need and developmental readiness.Well-being of child is directly related to the nutritional status of the baby. Malnutrition rate increases between 6 and 18 months—the period of Supplementary feeding. Appropriate Supplementary feeding promotes growth and prevents stunting among children aged between 6 and 24months. To document the knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to Supplementary feeding among the mothers of Kotli, Pathankot, Punjab India. This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among in a ruralarea Kotli, Pathankot having at least one child less than 2 years of age. This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among in a ruralarea Kotli, Pathankot having at least one child less than 2 years of age. The study sample consisted of 150 women who have a youngest child aged 2 years or less. TheResults of the stydy wasCow’s milk was most common (44.4%) introductory food item. Around 58% mothers fed their children less than five times a day. Around 75% mothers fed their children by themselves; 17% were unaware about measures for maintaining hygiene. Most common illnesses associated with poor feeding as described by mothers were diarrhea (30%) and vomiting (22%). Literate mothers were observed to feed their children 2.4 times more if they had developed diarrhea (X2 = 9.2986, df = 1, p < 0.01; OR = 2.4209; 1.3610–4.3063) and 3 times more during the episode of fever (X2 = 6.8517, df = 1, p < 0.01; OR = 3.3962; 1.3002–8.8713)