Influence of Parental Knowledge and Attitudes on Infant Feeding Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Infant feeding practices significantly impact early childhood nutrition and long-term health. Parental knowledge and attitudes are crucial in shaping these practices, yet gaps persist globally. This study explores their influence to identify barriers and promote optimal feeding, aligning with WHO guidelines to improve child health outcomes and reduce malnutrition-related disorders. Objective: To examine parental knowledge and attitudes' impact on infant feeding practices, identifying factors influencing optimal nutrition and health outcomes. Method and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 250 Bedded District Sadar Hospital, Sherpur, from May 2023 to April 2024. Data from 820 parents were collected via structured interviews. Inclusion criteria: parents of infants aged 0–24 months. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential methods. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation. Result: The study included 820 infants: 37.8% aged 29-180 days, 30.5% aged 8-28 days, 17.1% over 180 days, and 14.6% aged 0-7 days. Males constituted 53.0%, and 57.6% were first-born. Among parents, 52.4% of mothers were aged 21-30, and 57.3% of fathers were 26-35. Most families (41.5%) earned <10,000 BDT monthly, and 70.7% resided in rural areas. Early breastfeeding initiation was 63.4%, and 79.3% received colostrum. Exclusive breastfeeding was 63.4%, while 24.4% practiced mixed feeding. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of parental knowledge and attitudes in infant feeding, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve practices.