Nutritional Status and Complementary Feeding Practices of 6-11 months Children Attending in ICDDR,B Hospital

Abstract

A cross sectional study was carried out among 120 mother-infant pairs to determine
nutritional status and complementary feeding practices of 6-11 months children
attending ICDDR,B, hospital. Data were collected with pre-tested and well
designed questionnaires during November 2007 to February 2008.Sample size
(n=120) was determined using a statistical formula which is applicable to closed
population. Mean education level of the mothers and fathers were 6.94% and
7.64%. About 95.8% of mother fed colostrums to their babies. The prevalence of
exclusive breast feeding was 16.67%. Seventy percent (69.2%>) o f the mothers
started complementary feeding before 6 months and during the data collection
period 90% of the mothers were still breastfeeding their children. Suji was the most
common complementary food (40.8%) followed by khichuri (22.5%), milk (16.7%)
and mashed rice (13.3%). Lactating mothers are nutritionally vulnerable and it was
observed that 17.5% and 10.8% mothers were deficient in CED-1 and II
respectively. The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 40%), 22.5%
and 10.9% respectively. It was found that 75% mothers feed cereal to their child
every day in last week of observation. Regarding treatment facilities 43.3% infants
received treatment from private doctors and 23.3% infants received treatment of
their disease from hospitals/ dispensary. Again 15% children remained untreated
during their illness.