Investigating the Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Growth Outcomes of Breastfeeding Among Indian Mother-Infant

Abstract

Objective: To assess breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among Indian suburban mothers and evaluate their correlation with infant anthropometric outcomes, identifying socioeconomic and behavioral factors associated with growth faltering.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 60 mother-infant dyads in Zahreeabad, Telangana. Data included structured questionnaires on demographics and KAP metrics, plus objective anthropometric measurements compared against age-/sex-matched standards. Descriptive and correlational analyses examined associations between maternal factors and infant growth.

Results: Mean maternal age was 27.47±4.24 years; 75% were homemakers(N=45), 60% held Bachelor's degrees or higher (N=36). Early breastfeeding initiation (≤1 hour) occurred in 65%(N=39), with universally positive attitudes. Maternal education is significantly correlated with breastfeeding knowledge (p=0.824), though knowledge scores didn't differ between mothers maintaining versus discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Descriptively, c-section infants showed 2.42 cm greater length deficits than vaginal births. Despite 85% of infants exhibiting stunting and 55% showing weight deficits, 85% of mothers rated growth as "Average" or "Above Average," revealing a critical perception-reality gap.

Conclusions: High breastfeeding knowledge and positive attitudes don't prevent growth faltering, with 85% of infants stunted despite strong maternal awareness. Structural barriers—particularly C-sections (85% of delayed initiations) and early complementary feeding (p = .042)—critically impair outcomes. A profound perception gap exists: 85% of mothers rated stunted growth as "Average" or above. Interventions must address clinical barriers and maternal perceptual frameworks, not just knowledge dissemination.