Knowledge and practice of complementary feeding among mothers in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania: Community-based cross-sectional study

Introduction: This study examines mothers' complementary feeding (CF) knowledge and practices for children aged 6-24 months, highlighting links to adverse health outcomes and childhood malnutrition from both delayed and early CF initiation (before six months). Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study collected data from 422 mothers through multistage sampling. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used and analyzed with SPSS software version 20.0, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square tests assessed associations at a 95 % confidence interval, with a P < 0.05 signifying statistical significance. Results: Approximately 66.8 % of mothers initiated breastfeeding within an hour after childbirth, with 71.1 % knowledgeable about 'breastfeeding and hand washing' prior to breastfeeding. Around 64.5 % introduced liquids, and 58.8 % gave semi-solid food to their children before six months. About 41.9 % initiated CF at the recommended age. Associations were observed between maternal education and knowledge of dietary diversification. The study also found a connection between CF-related information and timely CF initiation. Conclusions: Insufficient knowledge of infant and child feeding practices necessitates nutritional education for mothers through effective communication packages to promote proper feeding practices.