Factors associated with Exclusive Breast Feeding(EBF) and Complementary Feeding in an Indian Urban Community: A Cross Sectional Study

Context: Inappropriate feeding practices are very much prevalent in India in areas where there is a high cultural influence on dietary habits, which starts right from the birth and remains throughout the life. Aims: To study the infant and young feeding practices and factors affecting the exclusive breast feeding in children aged 6-23m. Methods and Material:A community based cross sectional study was conducted during the period Jan2008-Dec 2008 in Mehrauli(New Delhi).Feeding practices in the community was assessed using a semistructured questionnaire from the mother/guardian of 309 children in the age group of 6-23m. Results: Breast feeding was initiated within an hour of the birth in only 10.7%(33) of children. Around half(153) of the children were fed with prelacteals and colostrum was discarded in two-thirds (208) of the total. Exclusive breast feeding was dismally low with only 6.8%(21) mothers having practiced it. EBF was found more in institutional delivered and normal birth weight babies in comparison to domiciliary delivered and low birth weight babies respectively(p<0.05). Only 31.7%(98) children were given complementary feeding at the appropriate age, and feeding in terms of calories was inadequate in three-fourth(232) of the total subjects. Knowledge assessed about IYCF(Infant and Young child Feeding) was seemingly pooramongst the mothers in the community. Conclusions: Feeding practices are considerably errant in the community due to the widely prevalent myths and rituals. There is a need of consistent re-enforcement of IEC regarding IYCF by the health workers and AWWs to dispel the misconception from the community to improve the health status of the children.