Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Feeding (MIYCF) among Women Living in Tea Estates of Dibrugarh District: A Mixed‑Method Study

Abstract

Background: Despite global efforts, malnutrition remains a significant contributor to under-five mortality. Current study, aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) among women with children aged 0-23 months, working in tea estates of the Dibrugarh district. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study using mixed-method design conducted in 2022. The quantitative study involved 198 women selected through multistage sampling, while the qualitative segment included focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers. SPSS version 25 and Atlas Ti software are used for quantitative and qualitative data analysis, respectively. Results: A discernible gap between knowledge and practices highlighted the necessity for targeted behavioral interventions. Cultural norms, dietary restrictions, and traditional practices affecting MIYCF were documented in a qualitative study. Service providers identified economic conditions, ignorance, and reliance on traditional healers as contributing factors to malnutrition. Conclusion: Holistic, culturally sensitive interventions are pivotal to addressing the intricate interplay between knowledge, societal norms, and MIYCF practices in the tea estates of Dibrugarh.