A STUDY ON COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 23 MONTHS – A CROSS SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: For a child's optimal growth and development,breast feeding exclusively for the first six months,followed by supplemental feeding in addition to breast feeding,is crucial.A lack of information and proper eating habits worsen childhood morbidity and death. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence supplemental feeding behaviours in infants and young children aged 6 to 23 months. Methodology: This study was conducted as a Cross-sectional Observational study in the pediatric Out-patient department of pediatrics in Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, among children aged 6 months to 23 months during February 2022- September 2022. A total of 100 children aged 6 months to 23 months with were included in this study. After taking the written informed consent, children were assessed for the demographic, and clinical presentation by the principal investigator using a pre structured proforma. Results: Knowledge about EBF was known to maximum number of the study participant's mothers but only few mothers practiced EBF. Knowledge regarding frequency of complementary feeding was known to 38.4%.Colostrum was offered to most of the children in this study which is highly nutritious to the baby.The common complementary food practiced among this study population was noticed as Ragi Sari and cow's milk. The most common reasons coded for not practicing EBF was found to be work status of the mothers in this study. Conclusion:We conclude that the maternal factors like education,their occupation,information received regarding CF, and Correctness of CF practice were strongly influence the nourishment status of the infants. Hence special attention needs to be paid on these areas in terms of health education and creating awareness.