Impact of Community-Based Complementary Feeding Education Program on Child-Feeding Knowledge and Practices of Caregivers at Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa ^†

Background: Optimal infant nutrition depends on smooth transition to appropriate complementary feeding. Although the advantages of these practices are well documented, it is unclear how effectively caregivers implement this knowledge in everyday situations. Objectives: This study assessed the impact of complementary feeding education program on caregiver knowledge and practices in Polokwane Municipality. Methods: A quasi-experimental study in Polokwane evaluated a complementary feeding program’s impact on caregiver knowledge and practices. It enrolled 189 caregiver–infant pairs, with 148 remaining after the intervention. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention using a validated questionnaire. Feeding practices were analyzed using descriptive analysis, while chi-square and Spearman correlations tests were applied to assess changes and relationships. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: At baseline, the control group had a higher mean knowledge score (29.70) than the intervention group (25.10). After the intervention, the control group’s score remained stable (25.0), while the intervention group’s knowledge significantly improved to 38.10. The program positively influenced feeding practices as follows: 62.3% of intervention caregivers introduced foods other than breast milk compared to 70.4% in controls, and 70% provided thick foods before breastfeeding versus 56.3% in controls. Significant differences were found in feeding consistency and methods (p < 0.05). Early introduction of solids was common in both groups (79% intervention, 75% control), and by one year, bottle feeding was reported by 56% of intervention caregivers and 70% of controls. Post-intervention, only 22.5% of the intervention group used commercial food products, compared to 75% of controls. Correlations between feeding knowledge and practices were weak at baseline (r = 0.101) and weakened further after the intervention (r = 0.021). Conclusions: The intervention program effectively enhanced caregiver knowledge and feeding practices, resulting in improved feeding consistency and increased use of homemade foods. Despite these gains, challenges like early introduction of complementary foods and continued bottle feeding remain. Continued education and support are crucial to strengthening proper complementary feeding practices.