Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)

ABSTRACT

Background: Malnutrition remains a global health issue, endangering the lives of millions of children, especially in developing nations. It profoundly affects a child’s physical and mental development, leading to severe and often irreversible consequences. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers with acutely malnourished children concerning child feeding and the prevention of malnutrition. Subjects and Methods: A cross‑sectional hospital‑based study was conducted involving 139 mothers with acutely malnourished children admitted to the malnutrition ward at Mohammed Al‑Ameen Hamid Pediatric Hospital between May 2022 and December 2022. Data were collected through direct interviews with the surveyed mothers utilizing a validated, structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was performed using SPSS software version 20. Results: The study revealed that 78.4% of mothers possessed adequate knowledge, 80.6% exhibited favorable attitudes, and 55.4% demonstrated good child‑feeding practices and malnutrition prevention practices. A significant correlation between mothers’ education and practice was identified (P = 0.025). Furthermore, data analysis highlighted the significant association between mothers’ knowledge and attitude (P = 0.007), mothers’ knowledge and practice (P = 0.006), and mothers’ attitudes and practice (P = 0.033). Conclusion: Most mothers exhibited sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes regarding child feeding and malnutrition prevention; however, there is a need to translate this awareness into improved practices.