Assessment of infant feeding practices at a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

To assess the practice and knowledge of mothers regarding breast feeding, complimentary feeding, and to find out socio-economic correlates of feeding practices. A cross sectional survey conducted at paediatric department of Liaquat University Hospital [LUH] from Jan-Dec 2008. During that period 500 mothers with children less than 24 months were included. Infant feeding patterns were assessed in relation to recommendations and household socio-economic factors by an Interview Technique. Out of 500 mothers, 8.4% started exclusive breast feeding [EBF] while Pre-lacteal use was seen in 31.6%. Regarding the duration 52.2% mothers continued breast feeding for 2 years. Median duration of EBF was 3.5 months. It was seen that 60% of the 0-5 month-old infants breastfed 8 or more times per day. However, exclusiveness of breast feeding decreased from 60% at [0-2 months] to 40% [3-5 months]. Majority 64.2% were poor and 61.5% had no education. There is a statistically significant difference in feeding practices of educated and uneducated [P < 0.0001] and also in poor and middle class mothers [P <0.0003]. Regarding, age of their last born babies, 180 babies were under 6 months, and 320 were 6 to 23 months of age. The knowledge about complimentary feeding [CF] was inadequate. Around 21% of 2-3 months old babies received complementary food and 19% of 6-8 month-olds were only breastfed. In 78% mothers CF was advised by family members while in 23% mothers by doctors. Exclusive breastfeeding was not maintained upto recommended age of 6 months. Knowledge about CF was lacking in the mothers. Regarding, mothers' education and socioeconomic conditions, a positive correlation was noted with feeding practices