Maternal knowledge of nutrition, problem‐solving abilities and the introduction of complementary foods into infants’ diets

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to identify variables (maternal knowledge and problem-solving ability) associated with the early introduction of complementary foods (i.e. foods other than breastmilk or formula) into infants' diets. Ninety-eight primarily African-American mothers who presented to an urban, ambulatory care clinic in the Midwest completed questionnaires. Maternal knowledge regarding doctors' recommendations for complementary feeding was associated with when mothers introduced solids (r = 0.25, p < .05), cow's milk (r = 0.35, p < .05), juice (r = 0.42, p < .001) and water (r = 0.38, p < .001). Maternal nutrient knowledge was associated with when cow's milk (r = 0.37, p < .05) and fruit drink/soda (r = 0.52, p < .01) were introduced. The quality of maternal problem-solving was associated with when mothers introduced fruit drink/soda (r = 0.34, p < .05). Results underscore the role that healthcare professionals play in complementary feeding.

An Exploratory Study to Assess Knowledge Regarding Complementary Feeding among Postnatal Mothers

“…Findings of present study are comparable with study conducted by Kusloom U to assess the knowledge of multipara mothers regarding complementary feeding revealed that 58% multipara mothers had average knowledge regarding complementary feeding,32% of multipara mothers had poor knowledge regarding complementary feeding and 10% of multipara mothers had good knowledge regarding complementary feeding. 9 Present study is also comparable with study conducted by Halt C N in Holland to assess the knowledge and practice of parents regarding complementary feeding which showed that from 60 postnatal mothers, 85% mothers had knowledge regarding complementary feeding 10 . The finding of present study in relation with education revealed a significant relationship with knowledge regarding complementary feeding which is comparable with a study conducted by Brown A to assess maternal attitudes and trends in initiation of complementary feeding-in lady Hardinge Medical College, baltimore,study results revealed that education had statistically significant relationship with knowledge.…”

The association of maternal food intake and infants' and toddlers' food intake

“…The present study represents secondary data analyses of a study that was conducted in an ambulatory care clinic in a Midwestern teaching hospital in the USA (Hart & Drotar 2006). The clinic primarily serves a low‐income, ethnic minority population.…”

“…Mothers completed the Food Knowledge Questionnaire, which was developed for the present investigation with the help of a panel of experts who had extensive experience working with families regarding nutrition and with the help of in‐depth pilot interviews with mothers regarding question clarity and suitability of the response format (Hart & Drotar 2006). To assess global beliefs regarding how healthy fruits, vegetables and snack foods are for children, mothers responded to the following question: ‘Are each of the following good or bad for your child?’ Parents used a 5‐point likert‐type scale ranging from ‘very good’ to ‘very bad’ to respond.…”

Infant Feeding Practices: A Global Perspective

“…The dyadic relationship between mother and infant is particularly important, as it is well understood that infant health thrives where mothers are well-supported and healthy; infants also take nutritional cues from mothers, including maternal diet during pregnancy [7]. Education about infant nutrition and maternal-infant health is also of critical importance, because lack of maternal knowledge about infant feeding guidelines is associated with earlier cessation of breastfeeding and early introduction of solids [8]. Across the globe, infant nutrition faces significant challenges, which vary in nature by region and community.…”