Martenal Knowledge and Practices Regarding the Provision of Complementary Foods for Children Aged 6-23 Months in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Appropriate complementary feeding is essential to meet children's nutritional needs after six months of age. Maternal knowledge may influence feeding decisions, but findings from Indonesia remain inconsistent. The studies included in this review were observational cross-sectional studies published between 2019 and 2026 and were assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Objective: To assess the association between maternal knowledge and complementary feeding practices among children in Indonesia. Methods: A systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted following PRISMA 2020. Structured searching and supplementary tracing identified 89 records; after deduplication and screening, 17 studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for analytical cross-sectional studies. Results: The 17 studies included 3,099 mothers or caregivers. Fifteen studies reported significant associations between maternal knowledge and complementary feeding practices, whereas two reported non-significant findings. The strongest adjusted analysis showed that high maternal knowledge was associated with minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge is associated with complementary feeding practices, but motivation, education, employment, family support, economic conditions, and access to health services also influence behaviour. Recommendation: Nutrition education should be combined with practical feeding skills and family support.