Table 2 Characteristics of the children and their mothers/caregivers included in the study

Mothers/Caregivers

Age in years, Median [range]

26 [13-64]

 ≤ 17 years

42 (7)

 ≥ 18 years

565 (89)

n.a

25 (4)

School attendance

5^th primary school grade

367 (58)

Between 6^th-7^th primary school grade

64 (10)

Between 8^th-12^th primary school grade

13 (2)

Never

188 (30)

Maternal livelihood activity

Farmer

628 (99)

Trader

2 (0.3)

Homemaker

2 (0.3)

Distance of livelihood activities from home

Distant (> 1 km)

453 (72)

Nearby (< 1 km)

172 (27)

Lying-in

7 (1)

Children

Sex

Female

330 (52)

Male

302 (48)

Age group

0–5 months

162 (26)

6–23 months

473 (74)

Place of delivery

In the maternity ward

320 (51)

Out of the maternity ward

312 (49)

Type of delivery

Vaginal

632 (99)

Cesarean section

9 (3)

Birth weight^a

 < 2500 g

51 (16)

 ≥ 2500 g

269 (84)

Service for childcare consultation

Health facilities

602 (95)

Traditional doctors

15 (2)

Any service

15 (2)