Abstract
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study is to see the current breast feeding and weaning practices in our rural areas and its impact on the growth of children less than one year of age. Design: It is an observational descriptive study. Place and duration of study: Madinah Teaching Hospital University Medical and Dental College Faisalabad from June to September 2015. Patients and Methods: A total of 300 children belonging to rural areas were included in the study. The address was noted from the CNIC of father/mother/caregiver. Only children < 1 year of age belonging to rural areas were included in the study. Infants having chronic illnesses like congenital heart disease, Asthma, Tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiency or congenital defects like cleft palate and lip were excluded from the study. The weight of each infant was recorded and Classified according to gomezs classification for malnutrition on a predesigned proforma. The data was assessed by using SPSS version 19. Results: Out of 300 infants 121 were on exclusive breast feeding, 81 were on predominant breast feeding and 98 were not being given breast milk. Early ablactation was also observed, at the age of>8-12 months 36 children were not being given breast milk. Weaning foods were started in 152 infants only. The infants who were not being given breast milk were the worst affected group by malnutrition, 37 infants had 3rd degree malnutrition similarly the infants who were not given weaning foods were also affected adversely by malnutrition , 40 infants had 3rd degree malnutrition as compared to 17 who were being given weaning foods. Conclusion: The breast feeding practices in our rural areas are not optimal, the timing and quality of weaning foods are also not appropriate. There is a significant association between breast feeding and weaning patterns with malnutrition in infants less than 12 months of age.
Highlights
Health care professionals, across the world, are well aware of the beneficial effects of breast feeding
There is a significant association between breast feeding and weaning patterns with malnutrition in infants less than 12 months of age
Exclusive breast feeding was seen in 121 infants, 81 were on predominant breast feeding while 98 were not being given breast feeding (Graph1)
Summary
Across the world, are well aware of the beneficial effects of breast feeding. Breast feeding is the key determining factor of the child’s nutritional status which in turn effects growth and development. BREAST FEEDING AND WEANING PRACTICES improvement of immunity and reduction of morbidity and mortality of children.[1]. Majority of Pakistani children are breastfed yet feeding practices are unsatisfactory causing unfavorable child health outcomes burdening the already meager health coverage. WHO use Breast feeding and infant feeding as an important means to enhance the child health in Pakistan and other developing countries
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