Complementary Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 6–23 Months Residing in an Urban Slum of Mumbai

Abstract

Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices improve the overall health, development, and nutritional status of children <2 years of age. Children are at higher risk of malnutrition during the period of complementary feeding, especially those living in slums due to poor living conditions. Unhealthy food consumption is increasing among young children. These foods displace nutritious foods and can lead to malnutrition. This study aims to assess complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months residing in an urban slum of Mumbai. Methodology: The study was a community-based, cross-sectional study, conducted at the field practice area of Urban Health and Training Center, Department of Community Medicine, Seth GSMC and KEMH. Mothers of children aged 6–23 months of age were interviewed using IYCF indicators for complementary feeding and unhealthy food consumption. Length and weight of children were recorded to assess nutritional status using Z-score. The sample size was 140. Results: Timely introduction of complementary feeds was found in 67.2% of children. Minimum dietary diversity was adequate in 34.3% of children, minimum meal frequency in 72.9% of children, and minimum acceptable diet in 27.1% of children. The prevalence of wasting was 23.6%, underweight 36.4%, and stunting 43.6%, as per Z-score. Unhealthy food consumption was present in 62.9% of study participants. Dietary inadequacy was found to be significantly associated with underweight status of the child, unhealthy food consumption, and lack of reception of counseling for complementary feeding (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dietary diversity and dietary adequacy were unsatisfactory in most children. A high prevalence of stunting was observed.