A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices among Mothers at Paediatric Wards of S.V.R.R.G.G. Hospital, Tirupati

Abstract

Background: Breast feeding practices play an important role in reducing mortality and morbidity among children. The optimal infant and young child feeding practices during the first 2 years of life is of paramount important. Infant need to be fed 5-6 times a day in addition to breast feeding. Objectives of the Study: The objectives of this study was to assess the knowledge and knowledge on practices on IYCF among mothers of infants and young children, to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on IYCF practices among mothers of infants and young children and to find the association between demographic characteristics and the knowledge on IYCF practices among mothers of infants and young children. Material and Method: A pre experimental research design was adopted using non-probability convenient sampling technique among 50 respondents from 1st march to 31st march 2019. Results: Of the total 50 mothers in pre test regarding knowledge on IYCF, 18(36.0%) had inadequate knowledge, 28(56.0%) had moderate knowledge, 4(8.0%) had adequate knowledge. And in post test 4(8.0%) had inadequate knowledge, 22(44.0%) had moderate knowledge, 24(48.0%) had adequate knowledge. Of the total 50 mothers in pre test regarding knowledge on practices related to IYCF, 10(20.0%) had inadequate knowledge, 30(60.0%) had moderate knowledge, 10(20.0%) had adequate knowledge. And in post test 6(12.0%) had inadequate knowledge, 23(46.0%) had moderate knowledge, 21(42.0%) had adequate knowledge. Conclusion: This study proved that the knowledge of mothers had been markedly increased after providing health education. And health education needs to be strengthened for target population having sub-optimal breastfeeding indicators.