Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and current complementary feedings
practices both in good health and in illnesses, among mothers who have infants in the age
group of 4-9 months in the MOH area,Kuliyapitiya. There was a statictically significant
association between knowledge on complementary feeding and exclusive breast feeding
practice. However, educational status appears to have no influence.The introduction of
compelmentary feeding was not associated with either, educational status of the mother, or
their knowledge on complementary feeding. Irrespective of the age of introduction,conjee
and soup apperaed to be the most popular compelmentary food. Commercial preparation
like, biscuits also showed to be popular.This study revealed certain deficiencies in the
knowledge and compelmentary feeding practices among mothers. It needs greater health
education and, to over come this deficiencies better supervision to ensure the giving of
correct massage. Regular in -service training of the field staff to update knowledge and
skills and organized training for volunteer health workers is recommended to improve the
IEC activities both in clinics and field. Training of curative staff to improve the health
education of mothers on compelmentary feeding practices with especial emphasis on
feeding during infection too is recommended.
