Published on June 2015 | Mother and Child Health

A study to know infant & young child feeding practices of mothers attending mother and child health clinic at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Davangere, India

Background: Feeding pattern during infancy has several health-related implications. Infant and young child feeding [IYCF] practices comprising breastfeeding as well as complementary feeding have a major role in determining the nutritional status of children. Most of the studies conducted in India focus on breastfeeding aspects only, our study will also include practices regarding complementary diet diversity & frequency aspects of IYCF using the WHO standard IYCF indicators. The objective of the study was to know the IYCF practices among mothers with children aged 0-23months. Methods: Study design - Cross-sectional study Study setting - Mother and child health [MCH] clinic of tertiary care teaching hospital, Davangere. Study Period - Six months from September 1st 2013 to January 31st 2014. Sample size – 350 mothers with children 0-23months old attending MCH clinic. Results: 39% of the mothers initiated breastfeeding within half an hour of childbirth. 9% of them gave a history of giving pre-lacteal feeds. 26% of the mothers were found to be giving the WHO recommended minimum adequate diet to their children. Conclusions: The study highlights that inappropriate IYCF practices are still very much prevalent in the community.