FEEDING PRACTICES OF MOTHERS OF CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS : A CROSS SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Infant and young child nutrition is extremely important as it is required for good health throughout the life. The purpose of the study was to assess the current infant feeding practices in children between the age group of 6 months –2 years, to find the reason for inappropriate complementary feeding practices and to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding complementary feeding. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (AIMSR), Bathinda. Data was collected by interviewing 300 mothers on a pre-designed, semi-structured proforma with specific questionnaire. Results: Among 300 children studied, 78% of children were exclusively breastfed, 11.3% of children were mixed fed and 10.7% were top fed. In our study, 65.3 % mothers had adequate milk, so they introduced complementary feed at later age; 16.7% mothers were unaware about the weaning schedule; In 13.3% cases, child refused to eat; Poverty in 3.3% cases; traditional belief in 0.7% and inability to digest feed in 0.7% cases were the reason for late introduction of complementary feed. Conclusion: From data collected in our study, its important that regular counselling of mothers, their family members or friends is done regarding feeding practices, proper hygiene, what to do and what not to do during complementary feeding period. This counselling can be done during antenatal visits, during hospital stay and postnatal visits. This will help in managing knowledge gaps still persisting among society regarding feeding practices.