Infant Feeding Practices in Rural Field Practice Area of Medical College in Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Infant nutrition is a key factor for child survival, optim- al growth and development and breastfeeding improves immunity to prevent childhood illnesses. We aimed to estimate exclusive breast- feeding rates and assess complementary feeding practices among 9 months old infants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers of infants coming for measles vaccination at three Primary Health Cen- tres from January to December, 2013. Trained medical interns inter- viewed the mothers about breastfeeding and feeding practices using a structured pretested questionnaire. Results: Of the 4232 women, 954 children came for measles vaccina- tion. Majorities (94%) were fed with colostrum, and about 83% were initiated breastfeeding within an hour after delivery. Only about 34% were exclusively breastfed up to six months. A total of 602 infants (66%) were given herbal drops (janam ghutti), animal milk, formula feeds were introduced at various ages prior to 6 months and the main reason cited by the mothers was insufficient breast milk production. Conclusions: Though feeding practices at birth were good, preva- lence of exclusive breastfeeding was low. Measures should be under- taken to improve exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers attending vaccina- tion clinics should be counselled about child feeding practices.

Keywords

• Infant nutrition
• Exclusive Breastfeeding
• Complementary feeds
• weaning foods
• India