Hygienic practice during complementary feeding and its associated factors among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia.

Introduction: Complementary feeding is an important stage in a child's development as it provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. However, improper handling, storage, and preparation of complementary foods can result in contamination by microorganisms, leading to foodborne illnesses and malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine hygienic practices during complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months from December 1-30, 2022. A total of 602 participants were recruited using a simple random sampling procedure. The hygienic practice of complementary feeding was assessed based on a related seven items questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha 0.72). Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 26. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the statistically significant factors associated with proper hygienic practice of complementary feeding. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis model were considered statistically significant. Results: The study indicated that 42.0%, (95% confidence interval (CI): 38, 45.8) of the mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months had proper hygienic practices during complementary feeding. Mothers who could read and write (adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 3.36, 95% CI (1.53, 7.41)) and those who had completed primary school (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI (1.02, 2.85)), media exposure (AOR: 3.38, 95% CI (2.1, 5.4)), and attitude toward hygienic practice (AOR: 3.29, 95% CI (2.2, 4.91)) were independent predictors of hygiene practices during complementary feeding. Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of hygiene practices during complementary feeding was relatively low. Being educated, access to media, and positive attitudes toward hygienic practices were predicting factors. As a result, strengthening training and counseling services for mothers regarding complementary feeding and processing is recommended.