Abstract:
Adequate nutrition is essential for healthy growth and the prevention of malnutrition among
young children. In Sri Lanka, nationwide initiatives promote evidence-based feeding guidelines
for infants and young children. Nevertheless, persistent regional inequities, particularly in rural
areas, limit their efficacy. Despite sustained interventions, inappropriate feeding behaviours
continue to pose challenges to child well-being. Accordingly, the present study sought to identify
prevailing feeding customs and examine their relationship with the socio-demographic and
economic characteristics of mothers caring for children aged 6 to 23 months in the Rideegama
Medical Officer of Health (MOH) region. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted
from 10th, March 2025, among 415 mothers attending child welfare clinics and field weighing
posts in the Rideegama MOH area. After obtaining informed consent, data were gathered
using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The practices were scored and categorised
as good, moderate, or poor. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences (SPSS), applying Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Out
of 415 participants, 193 mothers (46.5%) had moderate feeding practices, while 41.7% and
11.8% had good and poor practices, respectively. The majority of the participants had initiated
breastfeeding for their children within 1 hour after the birth of the baby (87%). Almost 90% of
mothers had successfully practiced exclusive breastfeeding throughout the first six months. The
initiation of complementary feeding at the recommended six months was followed by 86.3%
of mothers. Statistically significant associations were found between feeding behaviours and
the mother’s level of education (p=0.016), family support (p=0.037), and average monthly expenses
(p=0.007), suggesting that tailored, locally relevant interventions are imperative. The
generalisability of the results is limited, as the study was conducted using a convenience sampling
method. Accordingly, strengthening community-based support networks and enhancing
maternal knowledge regarding young child nutrition may improve feeding behaviours and foster
better nutritional results in rural regions, as demonstrated by the Rideegama evidence.
