Infant feeding practices in the rural population of north India (original) (raw)
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Breast Feeding Practices in a Rural Area of Haryana, India
Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) should be practiced for the first six months of life, to achieve optimum growth, development and health. In India, breastfeeding is almost universal, but the EBF rate is quite low.The present study was conducted to assess the pattern of breastfeeding practices in rural area of district Rohtak, Haryana. This Cross-sectional study was conducted in PHC Chiri area of block Lakhanmajra, rural field practice area attached with the Department of Community Medicine, Pt. B.D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak during Sept.-Nov.2013. Two anganwadis were chosen randomly from each sub-centre; total of 12 anganwadis were taken. All registered mothers of infants aged 6-12 months from chosen anganwadis were included. A pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule was used for interviewing the study subjects. A total of 166 mothers of infants aged 6-12 months, were registered at the anganwadis. 8 women, who could not be contacted even after two home visits were excluded from the study. Therefore, a total of 158 women were included in the present study. It was found that Less than one third of mothers (27.8%) initiated breastfeeding within 1hr and more than one third of mothers (36.7%) delayed initiation of feeding by more than 12 hrs. Commonest reason for late initiation was cited as family custom and traditional belief. Around one third of mothers exclusively breastfed for <1month. Only 19 % mothers did exclusive breastfeeding upto 6 months. It may be concluded that the practices related to breastfeeding in the present study were found to be faulty in the majority of mothers. This study emphasizes the need for breastfeeding intervention programs in community especially for the mother during antenatal and postnatal checkups. Customary Practices such as discarding the colostrum, prelacteal feeds etc. should be discouraged.
International Journal of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (IJHSP), , 2017
Background: The status of breast milk practices is dismal in India in spite of specialized nutrient to newborns by way of breast milk. Culture influences breastfeeding decisions of mothers which have an influence on overall growth, development, health and nourishment of infants and children. Objectives: Assessing the maternal information, approach, and practices towards breastfeeding among mothers. Breastfeeding correlation with a number of antenatal visits, hospital education, maternal education, parity, mode of delivery, holding the baby after delivery, socioeconomic status, employment, religion and sex of the child, and prelacteal feeds. Methods: In a study, 400 mothers with children up to 2 years attending hospitals over a one year period. Data was collected using a self-administered standardized questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: The data was analysed regarding mean, frequencies, percentages, Chi-Square test and Spearman’s correlation test. Results: Breast feeding was deferred in mothers who delivered by Caesarean section due to mothers being kept for observation. Forty-three point eight % of mothers initiated first breast feeds within an hour. Eighty-eight point six % had initiated breastfeeds within one to four hours, however, it was. Prelacteal feeds were given by twenty-seven % mothers. Most mothers fed colostrum to the infants. Mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was four and a half months. There was no association between duration of exclusive breastfeeding with parity, hospital education, holding of baby socioeconomic status and sex of the child. 34% of mothers administered in addition to breast feeding bottle-feeding. The mean age of starting complementary foods was 6 and half months. Conclusion: Due to cultural factors and other social promotional activities, the majority of the mothers had adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards infant breastfeeding practice. Delay in the initiation of breastfeeding will impact education programs and neonatal feeding practices.
Breast Feeding Practices in Infants of Rural Western Uttar Pradesh Region of India
International Journal of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2015
Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. But globally only less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding counselling and psychological support are essential for mothers and families to initiate and maintain optimal breastfeeding practices Objective: The study was done to know the prevalence of exclusively breast feeding, early initiation of breast feeding and practices of pre-lacteal feed in rural Uttar Pradesh and their relation with maternal age. Material and Methods: This observational analytic cross sectional study was conducted on 355 mothers of infants aged one and half to 12 months who came in OPD or Indoor of Department of Pediatrics UPRIMS and R, Saifai for immunization or some problem. A semi-structured, pre-tested Performa was used to interview the mothers. Results: Only 48.5 % of subjects were practising Exclusive breast feeding , inadequate milk secretion was major cause of non exclusive breast feeding Early initiation of breast feeding was done in 41.5% of mothers. Pre-lacteal feed was given in 46.8 % of responders. Relation of early initiation of feeding and use of pre-lacteal feed with age of mother was found significant. Conclusions: Despite of so many efforts by Government and NGOs, most of the mothers in Rural Uttar Pradesh are still unaware regarding healthy feeding practices. We need to improve our counselling and motivation regarding exclusive breast feeding.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Breast Feeding Practices in a Rural Area of North Karnataka
International journal of current research and review, 2013
Objective: To elicit the breastfeeding practices prevalent in this rural backward area Methods: A community based cross sectional study wherein 236 mothers were interviewed regarding their place of delivery and breast feeding practices followed by them. Results: 236 mothers all of whom had a normal delivery were interviewed. 80.5% mothers had delivered in an institution. Only 5.1% mothers initiated breast feeding within half hour of delivery. 66.1% mothers gave prelacteal feeds and 72% gave colostrums to their neonates. Exclusive breast feeding was practiced by 27.1% mothers while 91.1% practiced demand feeding. Conclusion: It is often said that breast feeding is the foremost natural immunisation a baby receives and it saves more lives than any other preventive intervention. Such is the importance of breast feeding and this should be communicated to every woman using the appropriate medium.
International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 2015
Breastfeeding being economical and capable of preventing diseases and allergies is the best nutrition. Breastfeeding is best for gaining weight and reducing chances of infections as compared to top feeds. Children who get mothers' milk grow better with better scholastic performance and have optimal gut development [2]. Breastfeeding is essential for developing countries where malnutrition is prevalent and hygienic conditions are poor. The repeated infection causes diarrhea and recurrent respiratory infections, leading to high infant mortality. In ancient time, breastfeeding was the only source of feeding of newborn, but during industrialization, urbanization and modernization, this practice has gradually declined [3]. Early and exclusive breastfeeding is now recognized as one of the most effective interventions for child survival particularly to address morbidity and mortality related to three Background: Breastfeeding practices remain poor even though efforts are being made to improve various aspects and promote exclusive breastfeeding. The current study was undertaken to find out knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among lactating mothers. Objectives: Find out knowledge and practice of breastfeeding and various factors influencing it in postnatal mothers. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on lactating mothers attending the postnatal care OPD in a tertiary care center in Bhopal. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 1000 mothers. Information regarding participants' demographics, infant feeding in first 6 months of life, knowledge, and attitude toward breastfeeding was collected. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by only 33% mothers, whereas mixed feeding was found to be common (53%). It was found that age of the mother, education of mother, income of the family, parity, and availing antenatal care services (p < 0.0001) were all significantly associated with the practice of breastfeeding. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding was found to be poor in the study group even though the knowledge regarding various aspects of breastfeeding was not very poor.
International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2016
Under any circumstances, breast milk is the ideal food for the infant. No other food is required by the baby until 6 months after birth. Feeding the baby exclusively on breast milk, without any other source of nutrition for a period of 6 months is called exclusive breast feeding. 1 A child who is breast fed has greater chances of survival than a child artificially fed. The data suggests that infant mortality rates in developing countries are 5-10 times higher among children who have not been breast fed or have been breast fed for less than 6 months. 2 Despite the ABSTRACT Background: Feeding the baby exclusively on breast milk, without any other source of nutrition for a period of 6 months is called exclusive breast feeding. A child who is breast fed has greater chances of survival than a child artificially fed. The data suggests that infant mortality rates in developing countries are 5-10 times higher among children who have not been breast fed or have been breast fed for less than 6 months. Despite the marked advantages of breast feeding, its popularity has declined significantly in many parts of the world including India. The main objectives were (1) to assess breastfeeding practices prevalent amongst lactating mothers; (2) to identify misconceptions regarding failure to adopt exclusive breast feeding and weaning; (3) To counsel and motivate mothers for exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Mixed methods study (qualitative cum quantitative). 60 lactating mothers were interviewed and their knowledge and awareness on breast feeding was assessed through a pre-designed, semi-open questionnaire. Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were also conducted among Lactating Mothers, their Mothers or Mother in laws at Anganwadi centers of selected sites. Results: 63.34% mothers did colostrum feeding. Only 45% of them breastfed exclusively. 48.33% gave prelacteal feeds like honey and water. LSCS was major cause of delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Many agreed regarding non supportive attitude from family. Majority of mothers had poor knowledge regarding proper positioning and attachment while breastfeeding. Conclusions: Proper counseling and training of mothers must be done at the time of delivery by the doctors and the nursing staff regarding breastfeeding practices. Anganwadi workers must also actively counsel the mothers regarding exclusive breast feeding. Supporting women who are self-employed or who work in the informal economy is required.
Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research, 2018
Background: Breast feeding is the best documented feed for the infant during the initial six months of life. It is essential for child's optimal growth and development and also reduces the incidence of diarrhoea and pneumonia among infants. All around the world, breast feeding is associated with myths, superstitions and various cultural, religious and traditional practices, especially in poor developing countries. Poor feeding during early life increases risk of morbidity and mortality in later years and affects cognitive functioning as well. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to December 2016 in which a total of 200 mothers who had given birth within last one year were selected by systematic sampling method. The mothers were interviewed regarding breast feeding practices of their infants using structured pre tested questionnaire. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, birth history of the child and breast feeding practices was also collected. Results: In the study, mean age of the participants was 28.66 years, 75% were illiterate, 73% belonged to joint families and 29% of the infants belonged to the age group of 3-6 months. The prevalence of exclusively breast fed infants was 38.5% and the most common reason for such a low percentage of exclusively breastfed infants was usage of pre-lacteal feed (94.3%). Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusively breast fed infants was low in the study area which could be attributed to the use of prelacteal feed soon after the birth of the child. The reason for the use of prelacteal feed at the time of the birth of the child is because of the prevalent socio religious factors in the area.
International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2018
suitable nutrition to the baby, protects the baby against infections, allergies and asthma, promotes physical, physiological, motor-mental and psycho-social growth and development and gives protection against some adult diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and some forms of malignancy. 2 In addition, breastfeeding also has benefits on the mother in various ways like reducing anemia and breast and ovarian ABSTRACT Background: Scientific research has clearly proved that breastfeeding provides the most suitable nutrition to the baby, protects against infections, allergies, promotes physical, physiological, motor-mental and psycho-social growth and development. Also it benefits the mother in various ways like reducing anemia and breast and ovarian cancers and helps in fertility control. The study was conducted to assess and compare the knowledge and practice regarding breastfeeding among mothers of infants in urban and rural area. Methods: This community based descriptive cross sectional study on 450 mothers of infant (0-12 completed months) residing in six wards of urban health centre and twenty three villages of block of rural health centre of Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. Study was undertaken for the period of 1 year (November 2016 to October 2017). Study participants were interviewed by home visits using semi structured questionnaire. Results: Maximum mothers 40% in rural and 35.1% mothers in urban area age group 21-23 year. 39.1% mothers in rural area provided colostrums to their child compared to 50.6% in urban areas (p=0.0178). In rural area 60% mothers gave breast milk to their child on demand, 25% within 1-2 hours & 15.1% within 2-3 hours. In urban area 80% mothers gave breast milk on demand, 12.8% within 1-2 hours & rest within 2-3 hours. Conclusions: There was significant difference in breastfeeding practices in rural and urban area. Breastfeeding on demand was found to be more in urban area as compared to rural area.
Antenatal mothers: exploring their perception of breast feeding in a village of West Bengal, India
International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2016
Background: Breastfeeding is a universal phenomenon common to all cultures with its benefits and advantages being widely publicized. In fact, breastfeeding plays a very important role in reducing the morbidity and mortality of the under 5 children. There has been an increasing trend of breastfeeding in the western countries in the last 2 decades but the trend in developing countries particularly India remains abysmally poor. Also the information gathered from family and friends is often inadequate. The objective of the study was to find out the knowledge and attitude of antenatal mothers towards breastfeeding and their association with the different socio-demographic variables. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was undertaken in MCH Clinic of Nasibpur Union Health Centre. Response to each question was given a weighted score, scores were added to assess the perception of breast feeding among the study population and then regression analyses were done using SPSS Version 20 software. Results: Out of a total of 76 mothers, increased level of education was observed to be significantly associated with good knowledge score (OR 0.062, CI 0.004-0.979). Parity was found to have a significant association with both good knowledge scores (OR 0.070, CI 0.020-0.249) and good attitude scores (OR 0.152, CI 0.049-0.472). Conclusions: It is strongly felt that strategies for adoption of correct infant feeding habits especially breast feeding can be inculcated among all mothers by intensive IEC and by updating the knowledge of the field health workers through relevant on job trainings and workshops.