Feeding practices and nutritional status of children (6-23 months) in an urban area of Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Background: The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is a critical window for growth faltering, deficiencies, and common childhood illnesses. Even with optimum breastfeeding, children 6-23 months are at higher risk of being undernourished if they do not receive adequate and appropriate complementary feeding. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of children 6-23 months and find the association between sociodemographic profile and nutritional status. Materials and Methods: Mothers of 411 children of age 6–23 months in an urban area of Raipur were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire based on the WHO indicators to record their complementary feeding practices. Weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was taken to assess the nutritional status. Overall and specific (sex-wise and severity-wise) prevalence rate of stunting, wasting, and underweight were calculated. The distribution of these according to various factors like infant and young child feeding practices, and details of study subject and family were calculated. Chi-square test of significance was applied to find the association between nutritional status and independent variables and their strength of association. Results: The prevalence of wasting was 25%, underweight 30%, and stunting 15%. Statistically significant association of underweight with age of the parents, both mother and father, was observed (P < 0.05). Minimum dietary diversity was achieved by only 4.1% and minimum acceptable diet by 2.4% children. Conclusions: The prevalence of wasting and undernutrition was assessed. Complementary feeding indicators were unsatisfactory among children. Ending all forms of malnutrition is the global goal. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that directly affect or indirectly influence nutrition have to be recalled at this stage and addressing malnutrition is a key element required to achieving them.