Vol. 12, Special Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Layba Khan and Dr. Sarla Lakhawat

Abstract:
Pre-school (3 to 6years), is the third developmental stage in a human's lifespan after the infant, toddler. The meals of pre-school children should be nutrient-dense and include a range of food groups, and they should be fed often and in sufficient amounts throughout the day. In order to determine mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and practises regarding child nutrition, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 120 children, 64 were boys and 56 were girls. Mothers of children from Anganwadi centres in Udaipur, Rajasthan, participated in the study. Data was collected according to the statements on Knowledge of respondents on eating pattern of children, Attitude and Practices to overcome malnutrition. Total three sections were made in which close ended statements. Which was then assessed on the basis of overall scores of respondents. According to the results, per cent of respondents had good level of knowledge about the food and food groups and were aware of health complications of unhealthy food choices. It was discovered that overall score of Attitude of mothers in keeping their child healthy was substantially good. As 57.5 per cent strongly agreed and 23.33 per cent of respondents agreed to good attitude towards child eating pattern and following healthy diet. Results of overall score of Practices followed by mother respondents to identify and overcome malnutrition revealed that around 35 per cent of mother always follow good practices and 16.66 per cent of them often follow healthy practices. Thus, mothers' level of nutrition education influences what their children consume.