Abstract
BackgroundMothers' knowledge of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) play a crucial role in the overall growth and development of a child, determined by their anthropometry. Malnutrition has been linked to the short- and long-term effects on child health and, ultimately, national development. This community-based cross-sectional study focuses on the nutritional parameters of infants and young children in an urban slum population. The primary objective was to study IYCF from birth up to two years of age. The secondary objective involved studying the association between feeding practices and anthropometric measurements among children of 12-23 months of age.MethodsThe mothers of 96 children who were between 12 and 23 months of age, living in the urban slum of B.K Nagar, Bangalore, India, were administered the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) IYCF questionnaire. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding information from these children from birth to 24 months were obtained. Anthropometric measurements were measured with appropriate calibrations.ResultsThe population consisted of 57.3% females and 42.7% males. All children had mean anthropometric measurements below the World Health Organization Multicentre Growth Reference Study (WHO-MGRS) standard (weight for age in males, P=0.009, and females P=0.005). A delay in the initiation of breastfeeding was observed in female children (54.5%), showing a significant reduction in their weight (P=0.020) as compared to those initiated early. There was also a declining trend of continuation of breastfeeding from age 12 months to 23 months. The study revealed a high consumption of gripe water (68.8%) and bottle feeding (40.4%). A significant difference was found in children who consumed nutritious food, especially meat, with height (P=0.018) and weight (P=0.011), along with other foods.ConclusionIYCF and anthropometry have a direct association, evidence of which is reflected by the mother’s knowledge of feeding practices along with other socioeconomic parameters.
Highlights
The health outcomes of a child are directly proportional to their feeding practices, which are, in turn, dependent on the knowledge and practices of the mother
This study was mainly focused on establishing an association between infant and young child feeding practices and anthropometric measurements in an urban slum population in Bangalore, India
Similar studies to demonstrate the association between feeding practices and nutritional status were done in rural areas, this United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) questionnaire was not used [14,15,16]
Summary
The health outcomes of a child are directly proportional to their feeding practices, which are, in turn, dependent on the knowledge and practices of the mother. The first two years of a child’s life are crucial to ensure appropriate growth and development Malnutrition during this period results in a series of problems, beginning with reduced weight for age and stunting, progressing to the inability to achieve potential height in adulthood, and reduced capacity for physical work, which has implications for national development [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined certain indicators to effectively assess infant and young child feeding practices They are: early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding under six months of age, continued breastfeeding at one year and at two years [3]. Malnutrition has been linked to the short- and long-term effects on child health and, national development This community-based crosssectional study focuses on the nutritional parameters of infants and young children in an urban slum population. The secondary objective involved studying the association between feeding practices and anthropometric measurements among children of 12-23 months of age
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