Author(s): Sreedhara M S and C R Banapurmath
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are the most important determinants of nutritional status of children. The objective of this study was to find out the prevailing complementary feeding practices and analyze their impact on infant growth in an urban slum community. The study was conducted in an urban slum community of central Karnataka. The IYCF practices were recorded using a semi-structured questionnaire. The nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth charts. The relationship between feeding practices and nutritional status was analyzed. Results: Prevalence of Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was 68%. Complementary foods were introduced at appropriate age in 55% of infants. 72% of infants were receiving thick (energy dense) complementary foods. 61% were fed adequate amount of complementary foods. The prevalence of wasting at one year was 34% and stunting was 32%. Higher prevalence of malnutrition was noticed in infants in whom complementary feeding was initiated before six months and in whom complementary feeding was inadequate, or inappropriate.