GANESAN SWATHI, JAYARAJ JAIPPREETHA, GEMINIGANESAN SANGEETHA, RAJAN MAHALAKSHMI. A study on parental awareness of feeding practices in children in the age-group 12-24 months.
JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2022;
62:E909-E917. [PMID:
35603241 PMCID:
PMC9104673 DOI:
10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.4.2287]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Introduction
Nutrition plays an integral part in growth and development of a child. Age-appropriate feeding is known to improve the child's well-being and reduce the risk of specific diseases. The present study aimed to assess the awareness of parents regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.
Methodology
This health-based prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital enrolling 95 parents with children in the age group 1-2 years. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Microsoft excel.
Results
In the present study, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 73.68%. Eighty-six (90.53%) parents initiated complementary feeds at 6 months. However, only 45.26% of children were consuming adequate quantity of complementary foods. The association of child's calorie consumption with maternal age and occupation was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion
Adequate nutrition during childhood and infancy is a key factor influencing growth and development. In the present study, the overall breastfeeding and complimentary feeding practices were satisfactory. However, the quantity of complementary feeding was inadequate. Counselling the mothers on appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices during antenatal and postnatal visits may have a positive impact on infant feeding practices.
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