Comparison of complementary feeding practices among urban and rural mothers – A cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breast feeding till 6 months of age, followed by nutritionally rich complementary feeding is the WHO recommended appropriate infant feeding practice. This study was conducted to compare complementary feeding practices of urban and rural mothers and to understand factors influencing these practices. Methodology: Community based cross-sectional study was done at urban and rural field practice areas of Department of Community Medicine, J. N. M. C., Belgaum. By random sampling, 380 rural and 400 urban mothers having one year old child were selected. Information on socio-demographic variables, complementary feeding practices was recorded. Results: Only 65 (16.25%) urban and 58 (15.26%) rural mothers had practiced exclusive breast feeding till 6 months of age. Complementary feeds were initiated by 69.20% urban mothers before the infant was 6 months old and 42.11% rural mothers had initiated at recommended 6 months. Types of foods given were inappropriate and the amount and frequency of feeding were inadequate. Educational status of the mothers, socio-economic status of the mothers and the place of delivery had significant association with age at initiation of complementary feeding (p<0.05). Conclusion: Present study revealed inappropriateness in complementary feeding practices in terms of age at initiation, type of food given as well as amount and frequency. However, practices of urban mothers were better than that of rural mothers.

Keywords

• Exclusive breast feeding
• Minimum Acceptable Diet
• Weaning foods