IJCM_36A: Community-based Explanatory Mixed method approach to Understand Perceptions regarding Complementary food items in Urban slums of Mumbai

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of research to explore the common age of initiation of each food group item and its perceptions. Objective: To assess the age of initiation of complementary food items, understand its perceptions and determine IYCF indicators. Methodology: An explanatory mixed-method study was conducted in the urban slums of Mumbai. A total of 93 Health care workers (HCWs) working in different areas and 24 mothers were interviewed with the pretested questionnaire. Later 5 and 6 FGDs with mothers and AWs respectively were done. The data was analyzed with the point of integration for the mixed- method approach Results: In 68.9% and 52.7% of the HCWs areas, commonly started cereals at 6 to 8 months are rice and ragi. Vitamin A-rich vegetables, green leafy vegetables, and other vegetables are usually started at 9 to 11 months (32.2%), after 12 months (32.9%), and after 19 months (35.4%) respectively. Banana is a common fruit initiated at 6 months onwards. Intake of chicken and egg are started at 9 months onwards in 31% and 42% of areas respectively. Pulses and beans consumption is initiated at 6 to 8 months and after 12 months in 42% and 33% of areas respectively. Cow’s milk is started in 78.9% of the areas. Milk products intake starts at 12 to 19 months onwards. Biscuits are started at 6 months (39.1%). The Minimum Meal Frequency, Minimum dietary diversity and Zero vegetable consumption are 56%, 28% and 22% respectively Mothers self-efficacy, Family members’ and neighbour’s influences, Child’s responses to feeding, and Family food habits are factors that decide food items at a particular age. Conclusion: Dietary diversity at 6 to 8 months is very poor. Mothers’ self-efficacy plays a key role in improving dietary diversity at an early age.