Objectives:(1) To study Knowledge & Attitude of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) regarding Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. (2) To assess Knowledge of AWWs with respect to Infant &Young Child feeding practices including breast feeding.  (3)To assess their Attitude regarding Infant, Young Child feeding practices including breast feeding.  (4)To suggest suitable recommendations based on study.

Study Design:This was a community based cross sectional study in which Study Population consisted of AWWs working in rural area.  A self administered Questionnaire was used for data collection.

Materials and Methods: A total 123 AWWs working at anganwadis were included in this study. Data collection was done at Primary health centre (PHC) during monthly meetings. As the data was qualitative in nature, proportions and frequencies were computed. The knowledge and attitude was determined to be either adequate, inadequate or don’t know or inadequate answers.

Results:Knowledge and attitude of AWWs regarding initiation of breast feeding (BF) after normal delivery was adequate in 117 (95.12%) and inadequate in 6 (4.88%). This percentage decreased to 44(35.77%) having adequate knowledge about breast feeding after Caesarian section. 91 (73.98%) AWWs were found to have adequate knowledge about exclusive breast feeding while 66 (53.65%) AWWs knew about colostrum and its advantages interestingly knowledge about advantages of breast feeding (BF) was adequate in 62 (50.41%) AWWs. The knowledge about Frequency of BF in 24 hours, Inclusion in Exclusive BF, Longest duration to continue BF, 4 points of good attachment by baby during BF, 4 points of baby’s good position during BF, 4 points of mother’s position during BF and Advice to mother regarding bottle feeding was adequate in 122 (99.19%), 4 (3.25%), 106 (86.18%), 64 (52.03%), 22 (17.89%), 9 (7.32%) and 50 (43.09%) respectively.

Conclusion:There is significant association between higher education & knowledge about organizations working for IYCF & BF practices. It means AWWs with higher education (Graduates and Post Graduates) had more knowledge about organizations working for IYCF & BF practices than others. Also there was significant association between higher education and knowledge about incentives by Government to mother to promote IYCF & BF practices

Keywords: Anganwadi workers, Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF), Breast feeding