Knowledge and practices of complementary feeding among primary caregivers of children age 6 to 24 months

Background of study: Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is critical to the development of children’s full human potential. Poor infant and young child feeding practices coupled with high rates of infectious diseases are the proximate causes of malnutrition during the first two years of life. Ensuring optimal complementary feeding practices for young children living in developing countries is a global public health priority. Objective: to assess the knowledge and practices of complementary feeding among primary caregivers of children aged 6-24 months in a selected area of Ludhiana city, Punjab. Methodology: Descriptive research design was used in the study. 100 primary caregivers were selected by convenience sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and checklist to assess the practices of complementary feeding. Results: 75% primary caregivers had average knowledge and 79% had satisfactory practices regarding complementary feeding. Education of father of the child and no. of siblings of the child had impact on knowledge while age of the child had impact on level of practices of complementary feeding among primary caregivers of children aged 6-24 months. Conclusion: Primary caregivers of children age 6-24 months had average level of knowledge and satisfactory practices regarding complementary feeding