Awereness, Attitude And Practices On Stunting Prevention Measures Among Fathers Working At Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Back ground The role of fathers on preventing stunting among children under-five years of age has not been adequately emphasized. In Tanzania, few studies has been carried out to identify knowledge, attitude and practices on stunting among fathers in feeding practices like exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess awareness, attitude and practices on stunting prevention among fathers working at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at MNH, Dar es Salaam during the month of July 2017. A total of 345 fathers were randomly included in this studyy using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using pre designed questionnaire with closed and open ended questions. Raw data were entered and cleaned into Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) software. Analysis of awareness, attitudess and practices was performed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages destribution. The awareness, attitude and practices on stunting was measured by finding the mean of awareness, attitude and practices.

Results: Atotal of 345 respondent were included in the study. The result showed that, 83.8% of respondents had awareness on stunting prevention. 60.8% had positive attitude toward stunting prevention and 95.6% of the respondents practised on the stunting prevention.

Conclusion and recomendation Awareness, attitude and practice of fathers on stunting prevention was high in the study area. Therefore, awareness and attitude have great impact on the increased the adoption of good practices on stunting prevention among fathers. Therfore stunting prevention program involving fathers should be incooperated for better improvement of RCH programs.