Publication:

Critical period for better nutrition among severely acute malnourished children up to two years of age: a hospital-based case-control study, Gujarat, Western India

Background Nutrition in the first two years of life is important for growth and development among children. To tackle undernutrition during this period, timely initiation of breastfeeding and quality of complementary feeding practices are essential. So, this study was planned to determine feeding practices associated with severe acute malnutrition children.

Methods This was hospital-based case-control study with 1:1 ratio of cases (77) and controls (77). Cases and controls were matched for age and sex. Cases were selected from Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre and controls from Immunization clinic. Mothers were interviewed about feeding practices, immunization status and illness of their child. Weight and height of children were also measured.

Results Children who received pre-lacteal feeding were associated with SAM. Most of cases (62.3%) and controls (70.1%) had received breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. Among children of 3 ARI episodes in last 6 months.

Conclusions Among identified independent risk factors (p 3 ARI episodes in last 6 months were also associated with SAM.