English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:-Nutritional status of vulnerable groups like under 5 children, expectant and lactating mothers is the indicator of health status of the nation. In children nutrition and infection are important factors that affect growth of children. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:-To assess the nutritional status of children in relation to time of onset of breast feeding and weaning among zero to two years. MATERIAL AND METHODS:-A cross sectional study was conducted in a peri-urban area of Gulbarga including all the 172 children between the age group of zero to two years. Information was collected by using pre-tested proforma. The weight of child was taken directly by using platform type of (spring balance) weighing machine. Grading of malnutrition was done using Gomez Classification, by plotting on a standard WHO growth chart to find the grade of malnutrition according to weight for age. RESULTS :-Out of 172 children, 91 (52.91%) were having normal nutrition status followed by 35(20.35%), 35(20.35%), 9 (5.23%) and 2 (1.16%) were having grade I, II, III, and IV type of malnutrition respectively.28 mothers breast fed their child immediately 20(71.43%) had normal nutritional status and 8(28.57%) were below normal nutritional status, whereas mothers who breast fed their child after 24 hours only 6(13.95%) children showed normal nutritional status and 37(86.05%) children were below normal nutritional status. It was observed that out of 172 children were weaning was initiated after 1 year in 47 children, out of which 19 (40.43%) showed normal nutritional status and 28 (59.57%) showed below normal nutritional status. CONCLUSION:-exclusive breastfeeding to be done till 6 months. The relation between time of onset of breastfeeding was statistically significant. Nutritional status was normal in maximum number of children where the weaning was started between 6 months to 1year which clearly attributes to exclusive breastfeeding done by mothers to their infants.