EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN

Background: Balanced diet is essential for normal activities of life. Children are more vulnerable to suffer from nutritional deficiency. Nutritionally educated mothers can bring up children in a healthier way. This study was conducted among mothers to assess their knowledge, ability and practice for nutritional care of their children in our setup. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Warsak colony, Peshawar during June and July, 2005. Sampling method was purposive. Thirty housewives having children were given a questionnaire and their responses recorded. The data was tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: The mothers studied had a mean age of 28.5 years. 23 (76.67%) of the mothers were illiterate. Regarding parity, 60% had less than 5 live children, 5 (16.6%) had 5 and 7(23.3%) more than 5 children. 80 (76.19%) infants received Gutti as first feed while colostrum was given to 25 (23.80%). 28 (93.3%) mothers did breast-feeding, 10 (33.3%) gave cow’s milk along with breast milk and 11 (36.6%) formula milk along with breast milk. Early weaning was noted in 12 (11.4%) infants. 41(39%) infants were weaned in 4-6 months and delayed weaning was noted in 52 (49.5%) infants. Boiled water was used by 14 (46.6%) mothers and filtered water by 4 (13.3%) while 12 (40%) mothers used tap water. Food was purchased by husbands in 100% cases on demand of housewives. 18 (60%) women have done child spacing. Conclusion: Awareness of mothers regarding nutrition of their children exists but it can be further improved with basic health education, awareness and proper counseling by the health workers.