Research proposal sample

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF MOTHERS ON COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING FOR CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS AT KATABI MILITARY HOSPITAL YOUNG CHILD CLINIC, WAKISO DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

In Uganda, over two million children under two years suffer from stunted growth. This is often due to mothers’ lack of knowledge about appropriate complementary feeding, leading to improper food quality, quantity, frequency, and consistency. As a result, children face increased susceptibility to infections, slower recovery from illness, and higher mortality rates.

This study assessed mothers’ knowledge and practices regarding complementary feeding for children under two years at Katabi Military Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.

Findings revealed that 53.3% (16 respondents) lacked knowledge about complementary feeding. While 90% (27 mothers) practiced complementary feeding, 70% (21 mothers) used bottles, cups, and spoons. Additionally, 40% (12 mothers) traveled long distances (over 4 km) to health centers due to poor socioeconomic conditions, with 37.1% (10 mothers) earning between 50,000–100,000 UGX monthly. Half of the respondents (50%, 15 mothers) relied solely on their own resources for complementary feeding.

The study concluded that poor knowledge and socioeconomic challenges—such as low income, limited access to health centers, and inability to afford proper feeding tools—contributed to suboptimal feeding practices.

Recommendations:

Sensitization campaigns through local leaders and health centers to educate mothers on proper complementary feeding.
Encouragement for mothers to adopt complementary feeding at six months, as exclusive breastfeeding alone no longer meets nutritional needs.

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Complementary Feeding: The process of introducing additional foods and liquids alongside breast milk when it no longer suffices to meet an infant’s nutritional needs (6–24 months).
Breastfeeding: The natural method of providing infants with essential nutrients for healthy growth.
Knowledge: Information and understanding acquired through learning or experience.
Practice: Repeated application of a particular action.
Perception: Awareness or interpretation of something through the senses.

ABBREVIATIONS

CBOs: Community-Based Organizations
KNBS: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
MoH: Ministry of Health
UBOS: Uganda Bureau of Statistics
UDHS: Uganda Demographic and Health Survey
UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Fund
USAID: United States Agency for International Development
WHO: World Health Organization
PHNC: Public Health Nurses College
UNMEB: Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examination Board

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Complementary feeding begins when breast milk alone no longer fulfills an infant’s nutritional needs (Sethi, 2017). Essential for growth, it bridges dietary gaps with foods like soybeans, oranges, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. Globally, improper feeding contributes to stunting in children under two (Neufeld et al., 2016).

Malnutrition, often rooted in poor feeding practices, affects cognitive and physical development (Apprey, 2015). Worldwide, 25% of under-five children are underweight, with Sub-Saharan Africa facing severe stunting rates (Forsyth et al., 2017). In Uganda, 40% of under-five children suffer malnutrition due to food insecurity and inadequate healthcare access (Asiki et al., 2016).

1.2 Problem Statement

Uganda records over two million stunted children under two, with Karamoja’s acute malnutrition rate at 13.1% (USAID, 2010). Despite health education at Katabi Military Hospital, poor maternal knowledge leads to inappropriate feeding practices, increasing child mortality (Nankumbi et al., 2015).

1.3 Purpose of the Study

To evaluate mothers’ knowledge and practices on complementary feeding, aiming to reduce malnutrition and stunting.

1.4 Specific Objectives

Assess mothers’ knowledge of complementary feeding.
Examine feeding practices among mothers.
Identify socioeconomic barriers to proper feeding.

1.5 Research Questions

What knowledge do mothers have about complementary feeding?
What feeding practices are employed by mothers?
What socioeconomic factors hinder proper feeding?

1.6 Justification

The study will:

Guide the Ministry of Health and NGOs in policy and funding decisions.
Serve as a reference for future research.
Enhance healthcare workers’ and mothers’ understanding of complementary feeding.
Fulfill academic requirements for a nursing diploma.