KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF INFANT FEEDING AND FACTORS AFFECTING IT AMONG CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS WHO ARE ADMITTED TO ST.PAUL'S MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE ADDIS ABABA: AN INSTITUTION-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Background: Optimal Infant and young child feeding practices(IYCFP) are critical for child survival and Development yet data from health-care settings remain limited. Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, Attitude and practice (KAP) of infant feeding practice and associated factors affecting it among caregivers at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 213 systematically selected caregivers of children under 2 years admitted to the pediatric department of St.Paul Millennium Medical College(SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, from September to November 2025. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Multivariate Logistic Regression. Result: The magnitude of good knowledge and positive attitude was high (95% each). However, significant implementation gaps were identified: timely initiation of breastfeeding (TIBF) was 64.1%, and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 61.8%. Timely initiation of complementary feeding (TICF) at 6–8 months was 82.4% , 64.2% met the minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and 99.1% met the minimum meal frequency (MMF). Notably, 59.4% of mothers practiced sub-optimal breastfeeding techniques (alternating breasts frequently), and 26.7% incorrectly believed breastfeeding should not be increased during childhood illness. Multivariate analysis identified educational status as the strongest predictor of KAP: caregivers with secondary education or higher had significantly higher odds of positive attitude (AOR = 4.91; 95% CI: 1.25–19.32), appropriate breastfeeding (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI: 1.68–7.38), and appropriate complementary feeding (AOR = 7.64; 95% CI: 2.33–25.01). Household income (>10,000 ETB) was a critical determinant of breastfeeding (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.16–4.41) and complementary feeding practices (AOR = 4.47; 95% CI: 1.63–12.27). Conclusion: This indicates that even-though caregivers are informed about Infant feeding practice, there remains a huge knowledge-to-practice gap. Interventions should give emphasis on practical counselling mainly on techniques of breast feeding, sick child feeding, appropriate dietary restrictions for children and addressing economic barriers. Key words- Knowledge, Attitude, practice