Study on fathers participation in infant feeding : associated factors and mothers/ satisfaction, in MOH area, Kalutara

Abstract

Fathers' participation was assessed by questioning the mothers of these children using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Degree of father’s participation regarding infant feeding was assessed in five areas ; breastfeeding, buying complementary foods, baby's food preparation, feeding and storage, baby's personal hygiene and baby's growth monitoring. Mothers' level of satisfaction regarding husbands' participation in infant feeding in above mentioned areas was also assessed by interviewing the mothers. Fathers participation levels regarding infant feeding was at a good level ( 89.1 percent) moderate and good) when helping the mother to breastfeed. Mothers' satisfaction level regarding husbands' participation in areas of personal hygiene of the baby, food preparation, storage and feeding and growth monitoring was significantly associated with fathers' ethnicity and smoking . Non Sinhalese and smoking fathers' participation was found comparatively not satisfied level than Sinhalese and non smoking fathers, programme planners need to concentrate more on these areas when planning interventions to promote fathers' participation regarding infant feeding