STUDY OF FEEDING PRACTICES IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION (SAM) OF MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRAAGED 9 – 24 MONTHS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a public health concern in India. Suboptimal feeding practices reflect the development of severe acute malnutrition in children. The purpose of the study was to determine the feeding practices in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) aged 9 – 24 months. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nutrition Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre (NRRTC) in Mumbai, Maharashtra including children aged 9 – 24 months. Children were included in the study as per WHO classification of severe acute malnutrition. The information on anthropometric measurements and feeding practices were recorded in a structured questionnaire. Correlation between the feeding practices and anthropometry was examined. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. RESULTS: 84% of SAM children were found to be severely underweight and 52 % were severely stunted. Only 40% of children were exclusively breastfed. The introduction of complementary feeds at 6 months of age was practiced in 25% of children. 44 % of children were introduced to semi-solid feeds beyond six months of age. Minimum Dietary Diversity was adequate in only 28% of SAM children. There was the least consumption of vitamins and iron-rich food groups among the SAM children. CONCLUSION: Improving maternal awareness about child feeding practices which are preventable risk factors is a key for reducing the burden of severe acute malnutrition.