Feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6 – 23 months in the Rideegama Medical Officer of Health area, Sri Lanka

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.