Mothers had inadequate knowledge towards key essential nutrition action messages in mainly rural Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Essential nutrition action (ENA) is one of the most effective preventive actions for combating nutritional problems in young children. There is, however, a paucity of evidence about mother's knowledge and attitude regarding key ENA messages. The objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards key ENA messages and associated factors. A representative sample of 563 mothers of children from birth up to 24 months in mainly rural North Ethiopia was included in the study. The findings showed that 66⋅4 % of the mothers have a good knowledge and 68⋅9 % have a good attitude. In the multivariable analysis using logistic regression, mothers who attended secondary school or higher education were six times more likely to have a good knowledge (AOR 6⋅1; CI 2⋅945, 12⋅719) compared with those who are illiterate. Besides, women who resided in an urban area (AOR 2⋅2; CI 1⋅14, 4⋅25), attended antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR 3⋅7; CI 2⋅421, 5⋅742), attended postnatal care (PNC) visits (AOR 2⋅2; CI 1⋅37, 3⋅4) and heard nutritional-related information (AOR 1⋅9; CI 1⋅14, 3⋅49) were found to have a good knowledge. On the other hand, mothers who attended ANC visits were almost four times (AOR 3⋅9; CI 2⋅7, 5⋅8) more likely to have a good attitude towards key ENA. Mothers who delivered at health institutions and who attended PNC visits were also more likely to have a good attitude. In conclusion, the present study determined the level of knowledge and attitudes of mothers about ENA and several factors that influence mother's knowledge and attitude regarding ENA.

Dificuldade no aleitamento materno exclusivo no alojamento conjunto: revisão integrativa

“…Como fatores de risco para o desmame precoce no alojamento conjunto, foi observado, também, neonato ter recusado o leite e a mãe considerar que o leite era fraco (20) . Sabe-se que a compreensão das mulheres sobre amamentação influencia de forma direta suas atitudes frente ao ato de amamentar (44) .…”

Acceptability and feasibility of integrating psychosocial stimulation interventions in the inpatient care of children with severe acute malnutrition in resource-poor settings: a qualitative study

“…Parental knowledge and practices are crucial factors in preventing and managing SAM among children as they have a key role in providing adequate nutrition, care, and health services to their children (22)(23)(24) . The understanding of parents about SAM and its impact on child health, growth, and development in Ethiopia is not well documented in the literature.…”

Practice of key essential nutrition action messages and associated factors among mothers of children aged six months to two years old in Karat town, Konso zone, South Ethiopia, 2024: a community-based cross-sectional study

“…The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, spanning from conception through the initial 2 years, are a crucial period for growth and development, with profound implications for long-term health outcomes ( 1 , 2 ). Studies indicate that the failure to provide essential nutrients during this period leads to developmental delays, stunted growth, cognitive impairments, and heightened risks of chronic diseases in adulthood ( 3 , 4 ).…”

“…The essential nutrition actions (ENA) framework provides a comprehensive approach to addressing critical nutritional needs during this period. This framework emphasizes seven key areas: exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and nutritional care for sick children, nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, and prevention of vitamin A, iron, and iodine deficiencies for women and children ( 1 , 2 ).…”