Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding weaning adopted by mothers of infants in the selected rural area of haldwani, Uttarakhand

Under-nutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children globally, which is directly or indirectly related to knowledge and practice of the mothers regarding child feeding. Haldwani region is also having more undernourished children in the Uttarakhand state. Therefore, the present study was performed to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude of the mothers regarding weaning which is the major factor for nutritional deficiency in the infants. A mixed research approach and descriptive survey design were adopted among 50 mothers selected through a purposive sampling technique. The majority of the mothers (60%) showed adequate knowledge on the weaning concept and its starting time but were less informed regarding breastfeeding routine. Half of the mothers knew the need for hygiene (50%) and proper cooking practices. The mothers showed a positive attitude in the areas like weaning process, diet, position & hygiene. The present study concludes that mothers require detailed knowledge regarding weaning practices and the attitude in order to improve the nutrition status of the children.