Situational analysis of undernutrition and selected infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) in young children of Somanath Gir, Gujarat

Abstract

: Undernutrition in young children is a cause of concern, maternal education, and IYCF practices, lack of nutrition knowledge are some of the key aspects for poor nutritional status of young children.To assess themagnitude of under nutrition and IYCF practices of young children (3-5 Y) of Somnath gir, Gujarat.: 120 mother and child pairs were randomly enrolled from the selected Anganwadi centers and preschool oSomnath gir f . Information on socioeconomic aspects,IYCF practices were elicited from mothers of young children through pre tested semi structured questionnaire. Height and weight and MUAC of these children were measured using standard methods.nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standard 2006. Sixteen percent of the households had Below Poverty Card (BPL) 70.8% were other backward class. The educational attainment was limited for respondent mothers. Around 2.5 percent of the surveyed mothers never attended schools, and 45.8 percent had attended until grade 7. 57 % of the children were male. The overall stunting prevalence among children less than 60 months of age in the survey areas was 11.1 percent (<-2SD). As per MUAC cut-off for children, only 1.39% are at higher risk between 37-60 months of age. (MUAC <11.5cm). One-half of the children were breastfed immediately after the birth, and 48.3% children were breastfed within one hour of the birth. Only 64.2% children were given colostrum (yellow milk) which is known as “Immunity booster for the child”. Eighteen percent of the children were fed with pre-lacteals. Breastfeeding till the completion of 6 months were attained by 95.8% children. 78.3% children mothers’ reported the initiation of complementary feeding at right age i.e. after completion of 6 months of age. Conclusion: Under nutrition in young children needs to be prevented. Mothers of young children needs to be sensitized for optimal IYCF practices.