Mekonnen BazieWorkneh Zebenay2021-07-192023-11-062021-07-192023-11-062014-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/27242Weaning is a gradual process of the introduction of complementary foods to the infant’s diet as per the WHO recommendations. The weaning practice in developing countries is affected byattitudinal, knowledge, cultural, economical, and social and other demographic factors. This was a cross sectional with the purpose of assessing the weaning knowledge, attitudes andpractices among mothers with children's of age under 2 years in Amanuel town, east GojjamZone, Amhara National Regional State, North West Ethiopia. The major objectives of this studywere: to determine the level of weaning knowledge among mothers with children's of age under2 years; to identify the attitudes of mothers towards the weaning process: to identify the practicesof mothers during the weaning process; and to investigate the cultural beliefs and traditions andfactors influencing the weaning process.The data was collected using an interview schedule, which was carried out by the datacollectors from 374 mothers with children of under 2 years of age. The structured questionnairewas used for interviewing study subjects and the data was collected from March to April (2014).The subjects were selected by simple random sampling, particularly lottery method from thesource population and those who have children of under 2 years.Statistical analyses were done using percentage, Chi-Square test, Odds Ratio(OR), 95%confidence interval(CI) and inferences were drawn. It was observed that majority of therespondents(53.4%) knew that weaning should be initiated by the age of 4-6 months but 52.7%initiated by this age.40.6% mothers preferred cow's milk for weaning. It was also found out thatthe most common source of information on weaning was the hospitals/MCH. Majority ofrespondents-had neutral attitude towards weaning. Results from the Chi-square test also revealedsome of the significant relationships, which were between education level and weaning practice(X2=22.9,P=0.012,income and weaningpractice(X2=28.86,P=0.04,information &weaningpractice (X2=26.86,P=0.018), and knowledge and weaning practice (X2=13.4,P=0.033). Therewas also an association between attitude and weaning practice of respondents(X2=8.8,P=0.013).It was concluded that most mothers have had some form of information on weaning but few of them were practicing the correct weaning practices. Majority of mothers had neutral attitudetowards weaning . It is recommended that all mothers should be educated about the basicprinciples of weaning and the literacy rate should be increased. The health extension workersshould also be trained about the weaning guidelines.en-USWeaning, Attitude, Knowledge, Practice, Weaning foods.Thesis