Knowledge and Practices on Infant Care Among Mothers in Canaman, Camarines Sur: A Mixed Method Approach

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the knowledge and practices of mothers regarding infant care in the barangays of Canaman, Camarines Sur—specifically Barangay San Juan, San Nicholas, and Palo. It focused on four key domains of infant care: nutrition, immunization, infant safety, and developmental milestones. The study sought to assess the level of maternal knowledge, determine how this knowledge translates into actual caregiving practices, identify any significant differences between the two, and explore contributing factors affecting caregiving behavior. As a final goal, the study aimed to propose a context-based community intervention program that addresses identified gaps.

            A mixed-methods approach was employed, using a researcher-made questionnaire validated by health experts to quantitatively assess knowledge and practices. The study utilized purposive sampling involving 208 breastfeeding mothers aged 18 to 45 years with multiparous pregnancies. These mothers were residents of the identified barangays and had infants aged 28 days to 12 months, in line with the WHO’s definition of infancy. Socio-demographic data, including educational attainment, household income, and employment status, were collected to examine potential influences on maternal behavior. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions to supplement the quantitative findings and uncover deeper insights into caregiving experiences.

            Findings revealed that mothers generally had adequate knowledge of infant care but only moderate application in actual caregiving practices. Immunization and infant safety were found to have higher adherence, while nutrition and developmental care were rated as relatively weak areas in both knowledge and practice. Notably, no strong predictive relationship was observed between knowledge and practices, highlighting the influence of other factors. Qualitative analysis revealed two overarching themes such as “Knowledge on Infant Care Influenced by Varied Sources,” and  “Navigating Constraints and Motivation in Infant Care. Consequently, a culturally sensitive, community-based education program—“Alaga ni Nanay: Nutrisyon at Kaligtasan para kay Baby”—was proposed to promote sustainable, informed caregiving practices.