Knowledge and Practices Regarding Complementary Feeding Among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Rural and Urban Communities of Bangalore: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Appropriate complementary feeding is a cornerstone of optimal infant growth and development after six months of age. While exclusive breastfeeding provides complete nutrition during the first six months of life, breast milk alone becomes insufficient thereafter, necessitating the timely introduction of nutritionally adequate complementary foods. Inadequate maternal knowledge and inappropriate complementary feeding practices remain major contributors to childhood malnutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To assess and compare the knowledge and practices regarding complementary feeding among mothers of under-five children residing in selected rural and urban communities of Bangalore, Karnataka, India, to determine the relationship between maternal knowledge and feeding practices, and to examine their association with selected socio-demographic variables. Methods: A comparative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers having at least one child below five years of age residing in selected rural and urban communities of Bangalore. Data were collected using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire, a structured knowledge questionnaire, and a complementary feeding practice checklist. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, while inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation coefficient and Chi-square test, were applied to examine relationships and associations among study variables. Results: The findings demonstrated differences in maternal knowledge regarding complementary feeding between rural and urban communities. Urban mothers generally exhibited better knowledge and more appropriate complementary feeding practices than rural mothers. A positive correlation was observed between maternal knowledge and complementary feeding practices in both study groups. Educational status, occupation, family income, and source of health information were identified as important socio-demographic factors associated with maternal knowledge and feeding practices. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge plays a significant role in determining appropriate complementary feeding practices. Community-based nutrition education, regular counselling during maternal and child health services, and strengthened participation of community health nurses and frontline health workers may contribute to improving complementary feeding practices, particularly in rural communities.