Relationship Between Knowledge In Infant Nutrition And Infant Feeding Practices Among Lactating Mothers In Siaya County

Purpose: Poor infant feeding practices contribute to infant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes on infant nutrition and infant feeding practices. Pender and Pender's Health Promotion Model was utilized to provide a theoretical framework to guide this study.Method: This was a cross-sectional study employing a descriptive correlation research design conducted in Siaya County. Simple random sampling was used to select 80 mothers whose infants are aged 6 months to 12 months. The relationship between knowledge on infant nutrition and infant feeding practices among mothers with infants 6 months to 12 months was examined. Data was collected quantitatively and qualitatively. Self-administered questionnaire were utilized to collect quantitative data while focus group discussion was employed to gather qualitative data. On analysis of data on the relationship descriptive statistics was used that is, percentages and frequencies. Relationship will be examined using inferential statistics.Results: Findings were of public health concern. Since women of child bearing age should be educated by trained nutritionists on the types of locally available foods that promote growth in children.Conclusion: A study like this is very much essential to estimate graveness of the situation so that effective and adequate measures can be taken at the individual, family, community and government levels to combat the curse of malnourishment.