Publication:

A comparative study on breastfeeding in rural and urban areas of Kanpur nagar, Uttar Pradesh

Background Appropriate infant feeding, with early initiation of breastfeeding along with colostrum as the first food, exclusive breastfeeding to six months, followed by the introduction of complementary foods with continued breastfeeding, is important for survival as well as physical growth and mental development of the child. World breastfeeding week (WBW) is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of children around the world. Our objective was to determine the knowledge and practice of EBF among study subjects. To compare knowledge and practice of EBF among rural and urban study subjects.

Methods The study was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst mothers having children between 0-24 months of age group in the area of RHTC and UHTC of department of community medicine, GSVM Medical College Kanpur. Data was collected using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire after the house-to-house survey and Chi-square test used.

Results Pre-lacteal feeds were given in 21.25% of children. Colostrum was given in 67.2% of babies. 18.5% of mothers initiate breastfeeding within 1 hour after delivery. 31.75% of babies were exclusively breastfed for more than 6 months. The majority of the mother (72.25%) continues breastfeeding up to 2 years. Majority (73%) of mothers give breastfeeding from both sides.

Conclusions In our study, awareness about breastfeeding, early initiation of breastfeeding and avoiding pre-lacteal feed. It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions and protects against allergies, sickness, and obesity.