[Maternal knowledge, attitude and perception about supplemental iron and vitamins in infants]

ABSTRACT

Deficiency of iron and vitamins is a major health concern that may lead to anemia or rickets. The aim of the present study was to determine the maternal knowledge, attitude and perception about supplemental iron and vitamins in their infants. This analytic KAP study was performed on 480 consecutive cases in 2005. A questionnaire was completed by a trained investigator. Knowledge of mothers towards iron and vitamins was low in 59.3%, moderate in 38.8%, and high in 1.9%. Attitude was poor in 20.4%, moderate in 12.1% and good in 67.5%, however, perception was poor in 14.2%, moderate in 57.7% and good in 28.1%. With respect to poor maternal knowledge, attitude and perception about supplemental iron and vitamins, there is an urgent need for training