Feeding Practices in Children Aged Less Than 3 Years and Its Relevant Knowledge Among Young Mothers

Abstract

Background & Objectives: It is highly important for the parents to be aware of the proper feeding practices
so that their children can have better health condition and immunity. In this aspect, regular assessment is must
regarding the awareness of the parents so that necessary interventions can be done viz-a-viz healthy feeding
practices. The objective of this study is to assess the feeding practices being currently undertaken by the
parents of children less than three year age in some rural and urban localities of Rahimyar Khan.
Methods: Cross Sectional survey of 213 young mothers less than 35 years of age having at least one child of
age below 3 years, who presented at Pediatrics outdoor indoor, Gynecology outdoor indoor and Vaccination
center of Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahimyar Khan, were selected through Convenient Sampling. Data were
collected througha self-administeredquestionnaire&analyzedthrough a software SPSS.
Results: This Cross Sectional survey was conducted amongst 213 Mothers Knowledge related to feeding
practices of their children of less than 3 years of age has shown that 140(65.7%) mothers were Exclusively
Breast Feeding their children and 130(61.0%) considered using Cow's milk instead of formula Milk. 102
(47.9 %) introduced solid food to their child at 6 months. Majority 119 (55.87%) were not aware of any food
allergies or intolerances in their children and majority 91 (42.7%) believes in normal ways followed by 63
(29.6%) who use rewards to ensure their child takes meal. Another important finding is that 180 (84.5%) were
allowing their child consume processed or fast food while 22 (10.3 %) were consuming it on daily basis while
114 (53.5 %) were not aware of the appropriate portion sizes for child's age and 158 (74.2%) were offering
sugary snacks or desserts to the child.
Conclusion: Initiation of breast feeding within one hour has shown improvement but still 40 % not knowing
this basic knowledge. Moreover on one hand 80% were practicing addition of variety of protein sources and
almost 100% believed in fruit consumption but at the same time more than 50% were not having idea of the
portion size and almost 100% were allowing Processed or fast food consumption. These statistics emphasize
comprehensive educational programs for the mothers. Future research can be focused on impact of
educational programs on Nutritional practices.