Knowledge Regarding Infant and Young Child Feeding Among Health Care Providers

Background: Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) has both short-term and long-term benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality. Healthcare providers play an important educative and support role to mothers regarding lactation and infant feeding. Health workers in Primary health centre (PHCs) are closer to the majority of the community population and are highly regarded by people within these communities, especially antenatal clinic attendees who look up to them for IYCF counseling, among others.
Aims and Objectives: To assess knowledge among healthcare providers regarding IYCF.
Methodology: Medical officers and staff nurses posted at health centre where services for care of infants and children are available were taken for the study. Thirty three health care workers from all districts of valley were selected during a training session conducted in an associated hospital of SMHS to assess their baseline knowledge about IYCF. A semi-structured self administered questionnaire was distributed among participants after explaining them the purpose of the study. The questionnaire included questions related to all indicators of IYCF.
Results: Thirty three healthcare providers including medical officers and staff nurses of almost equal in number participated in the survey. Total percentage of correct response regarding all indicators collectively was 55.89%. Participants had good knowledge related to Optimal IYCF practices (68.18%) and production and intake of breast milk (69.09%). Poor knowledge was seen with respect to feeding of low birth weight newborns (25.75%) and breast feeding counseling (6.06%).
Conclusion: Efforts should be made to incorporate continuing education workshops to better prepare health professionals for their role in providing tangible breastfeeding and infant feeding support at the primary care level.