Complementary Feeding Practices among  Non Working Women in North Chennai,  Tamil Nadu (South India): a Descriptive  Study

Mrs.R. VIJAYA VAHINI; Dr. Mrs.P.MUTHU MEENAKSHI

Volume : II, Issue : XII, December - 2013

Complementary Feeding Practices among Non Working Women in North Chennai, Tamil Nadu (South India): a Descriptive Study

Mrs. R. Vijaya Vahini, Dr. Mrs. P. Muthu Meenakshi

Abstract :

The present study was carried out to assess the complementary feeding practices among non - working women in North Chennai of Tamil Nadu state. Two hundred mothers with children aged between 6 - 12 months were selected from three different private hospital located in north Chennai. The tool that was employed for the data collection was pre - tested interview schedule formulated by the researcher. Statistically the data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and chi square. The results revealed that mothers either initiated complementary food either too early (before 6 month) or too late (beyond 6 month). About half of the mothers (42.5%) started complementary feeding at recommended age of 6 months. Early introduction of cereals and pulses below 6 month of age was witnessed among 26 % and 11% of mothers respectively. The study identified that infants consumed more of cereals and pulses compared to fruits, vegetables and milk products that are rich in essential micronutrients. Homemade traditional complementary foods were offered by 42.5% of mothers only and the rest preferred commercial infant formulas. Most commonly used complementary food was idly, rice kanji, multimix porridge, dhal rice, rasam rice, mashed banana, fruit juices and biscuit. Study also suggested that the month of introduction of solid foods was strongly associated with factors like family set up and economic status of the respondents. Early introduction of complementary foods was noticed among mothers from high income group and extended family background.