Complementary feeding is defined as the process of introducing solid or semi-solid foods and liquids alongside breast milk when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the infant's nutritional requirements, typically beginning around six months of age. Globally and nationally, appropriate complementary feeding is crucial for optimal physical growth, cognitive development, and the prevention of childhood malnutrition. Despite established international and national guidelines, significant gaps persist in maternal knowledge and practices in rural India, contributing markedly to high prevalences of stunting, wasting, and underweight. This descriptive study was undertaken to assess the knowledge regarding complementary feeding among mothers of children aged 6 to 24 months in the selected rural area of Nagla Subhan, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. A quantitative research approach and a descriptive research design were adopted for the study. A convenient sampling technique was employed to select 60 mothers meeting the inclusion criteria. Data collection was executed using a structured knowledge questionnaire divided into Section A (Demographic variables) and Section B (Knowledge-based questions regarding complementary feeding). The findings revealed that out of 60 mothers, 25 (41.66%) possessed good knowledge, 24 (40%) had average knowledge, and 11 (18.33%) had poor knowledge regarding complementary feeding. The overall mean knowledge score was 12.133 with a median of 13 and a standard deviation of 4.08 (range score: 16). Chi-square test analysis indicated no statistically significant association between knowledge levels and selected demographic variables such as maternal age, education, occupation, family income, religion, and family type (p > 0.05), with the exception of the number of children, where mothers with multiple children demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05). The study concludes that while rural mothers possess moderate to good baseline awareness, structured educational programs and regular community health nursing interventions are vital to bridge existing gaps in dietary diversity, food consistency, and hygiene practices.
Complementary feeding, Maternal knowledge, Infant and young child feeding (IYCF), Rural area, Malnutrition, Descriptive study, Nursing education.
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