Investigating the knowledge, attitude and performance of mothers regarding the use of supplemental drops in infants in the pediatric clinics of Bam city in 1401

Today, iron deficiency anemia and lack of micronutrients, such as vitamins A and D, are common nutritional problems in children under two years old. This study aimed to investigate mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance regarding using supplemental drops in infants.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in two specialized pediatric clinics in Bam City. The statistical population was all mothers with an infant referring to pediatric clinics who were included in the study by the census. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the information to investigate mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance in the field of supplemental drops consumption. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.

49.2% of mothers were in the age group of 21-30 years old, had a diploma degree (29.8%), and were housewives (65.4%). Most of the referring mothers had another non-infant child (92.2%). The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and performance of mothers were 48.61, 23.20, and 36.50, respectively. The price of supplement drops was high for the majority of families (44%). Variables such as age, job, level of education, number of non-infant children, and the price of supplemental drops had the greatest impact on mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance.

In addition to teaching the importance of taking supplemental drops, appropriate measures should be taken for how to use supplemental drops in mothers with infants younger than two years old. It is also suggested that due to the cost of the supplemental drops, the necessary plans should be made regarding the access of these drops to everyone.