Study of Complementary Feeding Practices Among Mothers of Children Aged Six Months to Two Years

Abstract

BACKGROUND Malnutrition remains one of the main public health problems in India. More than half (54 percent) of all deaths before the age five in India is related to malnutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with the addition of complementary feeds at six months with continued breastfeeds until at least the age of two. Proper breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices can prevent under five mortality by 19%. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Institute of Child Health, Government Medical College, Kottayam. Mothers of children between six and twenty four months of age who attended paediatric department were included in this study. Information on selected sociodemographic profile and complementary feeding practices were collected. Chi-square test was used to find the association between complementary feeding and various study parameters. RESULTSExclusive breastfeeding was practised by 69% of mothers. Timely initiation of complementary feeding was practised by 65.5%. 49 babies were given early initiation of complementary feeding. Only 10% mothers practised delayed initiation of complementary feeding. Home cereal was preferred by majority (64%) of study population. CONCLUSIONMajority of mothers were practising timely initiation of complementary feeding. Female literacy and socioeconomic status of the family are significantly associated with time of initiation of complementary feeding.