Peer-reviewed article

Socio-demographic and Maternal Determinants of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Infant and Young Child Nutrition among Mothers of Stunted Children in Penang, Malaysia

Susheela Ismail, Nurfarhana Diana Mohd Nor, Nurul Fadhilah Abdullah · 1 Jan 2026

Abstract

Childhood stunting remains a major public health concern and continues to affect a substantial proportion of children under five years of age in Malaysia. Maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to infant and young child nutrition are widely recognised as important factors influencing child growth and nutritional status. However, evidence on the factors associated with maternal KAP among mothers of stunted children remains limited in the Malaysian context. This study aimed to examine the associations between maternal socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric factors, child characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and maternal KAP related to nutrition, growth monitoring, breastfeeding, and child feeding practices. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 66 mothers of stunted children attending selected Maternal and Child Health Clinics in Penang, Malaysia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic information and validated KAP instruments. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation were used to analyse the data. Maternal income and education were significantly associated with several KAP domains, particularly breastfeeding and growth monitoring. Higher maternal income was associated with better breastfeeding knowledge (ρ = 0.703, p = .005), breastfeeding practice (ρ = 0.500, p = .001), and growth-monitoring knowledge (ρ = 0.495, p = .001). Higher maternal education was associated with better breastfeeding knowledge (ρ = 0.492, p = .002) and breastfeeding practice (ρ = 0.362, p = .040), but with lower child-feeding knowledge (ρ = −0.348, p = .045). Other significant associations involved maternal age, number of children, which child was stunted, gestational age, maternal height and weight. Overall, the findings varied across the different KAP domains. The study highlights the importance of considering maternal socioeconomic and family characteristics when planning nutrition education and maternal and child health programmes. Tailoring interventions to the needs of mothers from different backgrounds may enhance the relevance of nutrition education, promote appropriate infant and young child feeding practices, and strengthen ongoing efforts to address childhood stunting in Malaysia.