Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP) of mothers regarding weaning in rural areas of Karimnagar Andhra Pradesh India.

In Indian context breast feeding is widely accepted but early initiation of breast feeding is what we have to strive for. Exclusive breast feeding is the infants consumption of Human milk only in the first 6 months of life with no supplementation of any type of food. Weaning is a process in which infants are given energy rich complementary foods from the age of 6 months along with continuation of breast feeding. This study was conducted with the objectives of to assess KAP of mothers regarding weaning and to eliminate harmful breast feeding practices by intensive health education to mothers. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted during August to December 2011 in Gunturpally Village of Karimnagar. 500 Females with at least one infant were selected by Systematic Random Sampling & their KAP regarding weaning were assessed. Statistical analyses were done using percentage Chi-Square test Odds Ratio(OR) 95% Confidence Interval(Cl) and inferences were drawn. It was observed that majority of the subjects (62%) knew that weaning should be initiated by 4-6 months of age but only 35% mother initiated it by age of 6 months. Only 18% knew about the harmful effects of delayed weaning. 81% mothers preferred liquid foods for weaning and a statistically significant difference was found among illiterates & literates (x2 = 4.747 P <0.05). Many (85%) agreed that baby should take solid food by 1 year of age. It was concluded that all mothers should be educated about basic principles of BF & weaning during antenatal period. Literacy rate should be increased among rural females. As television influences the layman it should be used for promotion of BF.