Abstract:
In continuation of our previous investigations, this study was designed to evaluate the effect and correlation of weaning process in infants above 6 months of age with their mothers’ literacy level, employment, physical and financial health. This study was conducted at Kishwar Fazal Teaching Hospital Lahore in an OPD pediatrics. For this purpose, cross sectional survey data of 34 conservative mothers was analyzed, obtained by means of questionnaire. Initiation of weaning process at proper time is found to be somewhat finance limited factor. Total 17 and 1 out of 34 cases were sufficiently and well literate, respectively and aware about weaning process. In our study 47, 39 and 14 % mothers belonging to lower middle, middle and higher middle class background, respectively and 9, 34, 21, 19 and 17 % infants started weaning at age of 4, 6, 8, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Among all cases 10 mothers were poorly aware about weaning but among them 6 started weaning on time. Twelve (12) out of 23 sufficiently and 1 were well aware mothers started weaning on proper time. Our study revealed that in illiterate mothers to mothers having middle level of education, ignorance of proper weaning initiation may be limited by finance and their work schedule. In matric to graduate mothers their job descriptions may have considered as more related contributory factors for delayed weaning. The situation can be stabilized by resource alleviation and make them easy access for limited income families.
Keywords:
infants
,
Maternal Health
,
Weaning Process
,
literacy level