Mothers’ Knowledge of Complementary Feeding (MP-ASI) for Infants Aged 6–12 Months at the Sayang Ibu Independent Midwifery Practice

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia. In Wajo Regency, the prevalence of stunting is 25.5%, and inadequate maternal knowledge regarding complementary feeding (MP-ASI) is considered one of the contributing factors to suboptimal child growth. Appropriate complementary feeding practices during the first 1,000 days of life are essential for preventing stunting and supporting optimal child development. Objectives: This study aimed to describe maternal knowledge regarding complementary feeding (MP-ASI) for infants aged 6–12 months. Methods: A descriptive quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted among 60 mothers with infants aged 6–12 months selected as study participants. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing knowledge of complementary feeding based on the World Health Organization (WHO) (2021) Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Guidelines. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using frequency distributions and percentages. Results: Of the 60 respondents, 36 (60.0%) had good knowledge regarding complementary feeding, while 16 (26.7%) had moderate knowledge and 8 (13.3%) had poor knowledge. Although most mothers demonstrated good knowledge, more than one-third of respondents still had moderate to poor knowledge, indicating the need for continued efforts to improve maternal understanding of appropriate complementary feeding practices. Conclusions: Maternal knowledge regarding complementary feeding was generally good; however, a considerable proportion of mothers still demonstrated inadequate knowledge. Strengthening nutrition education and counseling through maternal and child health services is essential to promote appropriate complementary feeding practices and support stunting prevention