Knowledge, attitude and practices on universal micronutrient supplementation among mothers of infants in the Kurunegala district of Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation programme was commenced to combat micronutrient deficiencies among children in Sri Lanka. However, its acceptance is not evaluated properly. OBJECTIVES: To describe the knowledge, attitude and practices of MMN supplementations among mothers of infants aged 9-12 months in the Kurunegala district. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in four randomly selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in Kurunegala district from January to March 2023. All mothers of infants aged 9-12 months attending the well-baby clinic were recruited. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. RESULTS: A total of 395 children (males-49.4%) were recruited. A majority (223[56.5%]) of mothers stated that their children had shown less acceptance of food after mixing MMN. 299(75%) noted that it reduced the food taste and 175(44.3%) said that it gave a bad smell upon mixing. 385(97.5%) mothers knew the correct dosage of MMN and 376(95.2%) knew the correct frequency. However, only 219(55.4%) were aware of the correct duration that MMN should be given and only 285(72.2%) had continued MMN when the child is sick. 376(95.2%) thought that MMN is beneficial to their child but only 276(69.9%) were aware on its benefits. 134(33.9%) mothers said that adequate information was not provided when receiving MMN. CONCLUSION: Most mothers perceived that children showed less acceptance of food after mixing MMN into the food. MMN had alyered the taste of food and introduced a bad smell to food. One-third of mothers stated that adequate information was not provided when receiving MMN.