Counseling to mothers promotes complementary feeding (CF) practices and growth of children under 2 years of age a cluster randomized control trial

Abstract

Objective: To promote complementary feeding (CF) practices and to improve the physical growth of children less than 2 years of age through, counseling mothers and the family members.Methods: A community based cluster randomized controlled trial (CRT) was conducted in Udupi taluk. All the pregnant mothers registered during the third trimester and the newborn children followed until 2 years of age in the selected Anganwadi (AW) centers. Home based counseling was provided to the family at different points of time. Counseling was based on continuation of breastfeeding, complementary feeding and different types of foods, optimal feeding, hygiene and care of sick child. All the newborns were followed until 2 year of age. Results: Baseline characteristics of the subjects found to be similar in both the groups. The baseline knowledge assessed on a 15-point scale, the mean score in both groups was very much similar. Mean measured weight increased significantly in the intervention group (0.794 kg, p