Study of factors affecting complementary feeding of 6 to 24 months children attending OPD of PHC Maner

Dr. Abha Kumari; Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Volume : IX, Issue : I, January - 2020

Study of factors affecting complementary feeding of 6 to 24 months children attending OPD of PHC Maner

Dr. Abha Kumari, Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Abstract :

Background: ; As per NFHS–4 Bihar factsheet, Infant mortality rate in rural�49. Under five mortality rate in rural�60. Both the indicators directly or indirectly depend on exclusive east feeding and complementary feeding . Children under age 6 month exclusively eastfed rural –54.2 . Breastfeeding children age 6–24 month receiving adequate diet rural.7.1. study of factors affecting complementary feeding is of outmost important for health planners and policy makers. Objectives: 1. To determine the factors influencing the inappropriateness of complementary feeding.2.To assess the knowledge of mothers regarding complementary feeding. 3. To assess the practices of complementary feeding in terms of quantity, quality and timing. Methods Study area;RHTC,Maner,Igims, Patna Study design : Cross–sectional study . Sample size : 124. Study period : Nov 2018 to Apr 2019.Tool of study : A pre–tested structured questionnaire was administered to mother/caregiver in face–to–face interviews during visit to OPD, RHTC,Maner, IGIMS, Patna. Data was collected, compiled and analaysed by using SPSS 17.0. Results: In this study,only 43% of children were exclusively eastfed and only 7.1% of eastfeeding children age 6–24 month received adequate diet. The correct knowledge of initiation of complementary feeding was found in 80% of mothers but it was practiced by only 33%. The overall knowledge of 23% mothers was satisfactory and 27% had poor knowledge of complementary feeding whereas only 7% women had good overall practices. There is significant association of education of the parents with the practices of complementary feeding .Occupation of the mothers and type of family had also shown statistically significant association with the overall practices about complementary feeding. Conclusion: There was a knowledge gap , hence reduced practice of Initiation and continuation of ideal complementary feeding & consistency and frequency regarding complementary feeding .