PREVALENCE OF FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO TWO YEARS IN RURAL FIELD PRACTICE AREA OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, SRIKAKULAM.

Abstract

Introduction of breast feeding and complementary feeding in time plays a crucial role in any newborn's growth and development, and it reduces morbidity and mortality. Under nutrition is most commonly observed in majority of the Indian children. Reasons for this growth lag are inadequate breast feeding, delay in introduction of complementary foods, feeding less than the required quantity. This study was aimed to understand the various feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6 months to two years in rural practice area of a Tertiary care hospital. Materials And Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital at GEMS hospital, Srikakulam from May 2021 to September 2021 with mothers of 152 children aged 6 months to two years. Results: In this study, Exclusive breastfeeding was seen in 67.8% of children, introduction of complementary foods at 6–8 months was seen in 73.3% of children. Continuation of breast feeding from 12–23 months was observed in 63.2% of children. Minimum dietary diversity was reported in 62.5%, and minimum meal frequency was observed in 74.3% of the children. Feeding from bottle was practiced in 34.2% of children. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that appropriate infant and young child feeding practices are required for better growth and development of children.