Publication:

Infant and young child feeding practices and its determinants in rural areas of Kamrup district, Assam, India

Background Infant and young child is the future of the nation and constitute the most important human resource of any country. Adequate nutrition in first 24 months through optimal infants and young child feeding is fundamental for development of a child to its fullest potential. The present study is designed to assess the prevalence of optimal IYCF practices and its determinants in rural area of Kamrup, Assam.

Methods Mothers of children 0-23 months of age were interviewed using a semi structured schedule to record information on feeding practices.

Results A total of 200 infant and young children were studied for feeding practices. Breastfeeding (BF) was initiated within 1 h of birth in 49% of children. Early initiation of BF was significantly higher in children born in government institutions, normal births and in families with higher income. Colostrum was given by 79% of the mothers. Children born in the government institution were more likely to receive colostrum (P < 0.05).Pre-lacteal feeds were given 34% of mothers, children born at home and private institution and caesarean births received prelacteal feeds more often (P<0.05). The prevalence of exclusive BF (EBF) for 6 months or more was 62.5%.It was higher in children of first birth order and institutional births (P<0.05). Complementary feeding was started at 6 months in 53.8% of these children.

Conclusions Early initiation of breast feeding and exclusive breast feeding were higher in children born in government institutions. Therefore, awareness about IYCF practices has to be increased among the mothers.