ABSTRACT
Background: Infant feeding practices plays an important role in nutritional status of children. Aims & Objectives: To assess ante-natal care, delivery and infant feeding practices and their association with nutritional status. Material & Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in all the districts using systematic random sampling. Information was collected from the selected household on socio-demographic, delivery and feeding practices and anthropometric measurements were carried out. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO Child Growth Standard. Proportion test, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was done. Results: The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 26%, 21.5% and 16.5% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of underweight and stunting was 1.4-1.5 times higher among infant whose mother had undergone ≤3 ANCs or not availed ANCs, 1.4 times higher among infants delivered at home, having morbidity during previous fortnight and 3.6 times higher among low birth weight children. The risk of underweight and wasting was 1.2 times higher among infants with birth interval less than 2 years and 1.3-1.5 times higher among children whose mothers were washing their hands only with water after defecation. Conclusion: The undernutrition is associated with ante-natal care, delivery practices, low birth weight and hygienic practices.
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional survey of Cu T users in a rural area of the Yavatmal district was carried out using stratified sampling, to identify interventions that can improve intrauterine device (IUD) service provision processes and their acceptance. The average age at Cu T insertion was 23.8 years. Cu T acceptance with one child was 55.5%. 80.8% of Cu Ts were inserted within 10 days of menstruation, while there were no post-partum Cu T insertions. 51.8% Cu Ts were inserted in PHC's. At the time of the survey, 48.2% users already have their Cu T removed. Only 22.7% couples utilized some alternate contraception after Cu T removal. Post-discontinuation contraceptive use was lower in a tribal area. 30% Cu T acceptors received less than two health checkups. 78.8% (58.1% in a tribal area and 84.9% in a non-tribal area) beneficiaries received information about Cu T from health workers. Only 6.6% Cu T acceptors received specific advice of checking the Cu T string. Utilization of private facility was more common among tribals. Reach of health service regarding Cu T need to be improved in tribal areas. Health service providers need to be more proactive, especially about utilization of the immediate post-partum period for Cu T insertion, clients counseling, and follow up of users.