Knowledge and practices of selected infant and young child nutrition (IYCN) practices among lactating mothers residing in urban slums of Vadodara, Gujarat

Abstract

Age appropriate optimal Infant and young child nutrition is one of the a main strategy to improve under nutrition in children. Sub optimal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN) practices need to be strengthen in rural, tribal and urban mothers.The present study was planned to assess the Knowledge and practices of lactating mothers on selected Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN) practice This study was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023. There were 34 UHC (Urban Health Centre) in the area of Urban Vadodara. One UHC was selected purposively. Informed verbal and written consent were obtained from hundred mothers before data collection. Knowledge and practices on selected IYCN practices was collected using pre tested semi structured questionnaire. Total 100 mothers were interviewed. 60% mothers were having knowledge regarding early initiation of breastfeeding but only 53% followed the correct practices. 61% of mothers were having knowledge regarding colostrum but only 58% followed correct practice. 82% mothers reported to have knowledge regarding pre lacteal but only 73% were following the correct practice. 60% knew that infant should be breastfed exclusively for 6 months but only 44% followed correct practices.Infant and Young Child nutrition (IYCN) practices were foundto be suboptimal. There is a need to sensitize young mothers for timely and optimal IYCN practices through various counselling strategies in government programmes.