Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents regarding food diversification for children under 3 years old

Abstract

Introduction. Children suffer the consequences of poor nutrition and improper eating practices for the rest of their lives. Every year, more than 3.4 million children under the age of 5 die due to inadequate feeding practices. Optimal nutrition decreases morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic diseases and promotes better development.

Material and methods. A mixed study was conducted. Quantitative study: the survey was carried out, based on a sample of 423 adults from the Republic of Moldova, who have at least one child aged 3 years. The qualitative study involved 4 focus group meetings with different categories of participants (family doctors, paediatricians, parents) and an in-depth interview – with a representative of the Ministry of Health.

Results. Aspects regarding the identification of barriers and opportunities for the development of parents’ skills in the process of diversifying the nutrition of children up to 3 years of age and the evaluation of parental knowledge, attitudes and practices were reflected.

Conclusions. Although the proper nutrition for children aged 0-3 is currently being studied and argued, there are difficulties in the practical application of the diversification process, conditioned by: inadequate information of parents, lack of reliable evidence-based information sources, and the precarious socio-economic state currently existing in the country.