Impact of Mothers' Weaning Knowledge, and Practice on Infants' Health: A National Assessment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Proper feeding practices are essential for optimal infant growth and development, particularly during the first 2 years of life. Maternal knowledge regarding weaning plays a critical role in shaping these practices and in influencing infant health outcomes. Objectives This national study aimed to assess maternal knowledge about infant feeding and weaning practices among Saudi mothers with infants under 2 years old. Additionally, it examined the relationship between maternal knowledge and key infant health parameters and identified the maternal factors associated with better weaning knowledge. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2020 targeting 721 Saudi mothers of infants aged 4–18 months. Participants were recruited from primary healthcare centres across five regions of Saudi Arabia. Structured face‐to‐face interviews were used to collect data, and χ2 tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to look for links between what mothers knew, how they weaned their infants, and signs of their infants' health. Results Most mothers (52.4%) were aged 25–35 years, and 72.4% had attained higher education. A statistically significant relationship was found between maternal weaning knowledge and age (p = 0.010). Mothers with moderate to high weaning knowledge demonstrated better practices, including vitamin D supplementation, the gradual introduction of solid foods and adherence to hygiene practices. These mothers also had infants with healthier growth metrics, including normal head circumference and absence of anaemia. However, exclusive breastfeeding rates were notably low, underscoring the challenges in breastfeeding adherence. Conclusion While maternal weaning knowledge in Saudi Arabia is generally high, the low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding signals the need for targeted public health interventions. Educational programs and greater societal support for breastfeeding are recommended to enhance maternal practice and infant health.