Publication:

Complementary feeding practices and their determinants among children aged 6–23 months in Aligarh, North India

Background Appropriate complementary feeding during the first two years of life is essential for optimal growth, development and prevention of malnutrition. This study assessed complementary feeding practices and identified their determinants among children aged 6–23 months.

Methods This baseline assessment of a community-based quasi-experimental study included children aged 6–23 months. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire based on WHO infant and young child feeding guidelines. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and feeding practices was obtained. Minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of inappropriate feeding practices and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results MMF was achieved by 83.5% of children, whereas MDD and MAD were achieved by only 17.25% and 14.25%, respectively. Children aged 13–23 months had lower odds of inappropriate MMF (OR=0.375, CI: 0.179–0.784; p=0.009), MDD (OR=0.189, CI: 0.067–0.533; p=0.002) and MAD (OR=0.189, CI: 0.055–0.654; p=0.009). Normal birth weight was associated with lower odds of inappropriate MDD (OR=0.264, CI: 0.105–0.663; p=0.005) and MAD (OR=0.218, CI: 0.074–0.639; p=0.006). Lack of mass media exposure increased the odds of inappropriate MDD (OR=2.382, CI: 1.222–4.646; p=0.011) and MAD (OR=2.556, CI: 1.306–5.001; p=0.006). Non-overcrowding reduced the odds of inappropriate MDD (OR=0.429, CI: 0.220–0.839; p=0.013) and MAD (OR=0.341, CI: 0.176–0.659; p=0.001), while Muslim religion (OR=2.246, CI: 1.092–4.622; p=0.028) and higher maternal education (OR=6.533, CI: 1.437–29.704; p=0.015) were associated with inappropriate MMF.

Conclusions Complementary feeding determinants can guide targeted social and behaviour change communication interventions to improve feeding practices and nutritional outcomes among young children.