Predictors of Morbidity Profile and Feeding Practices of Children Less Than 24 Months of Age: A Community Based Study in a Slum Area of Kolkata

Dr Bijit Biswas; Dr Aparajita Dasgupta

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2017

Predictors of Morbidity Profile and Feeding Practices of Children Less Than 24 Months of Age: A Community Based Study in a Slum Area of Kolkata

Dr Bijit Biswas, Dr Aparajita Dasgupta

Abstract :

Background: The feeding practices and illness during initial years of childhood are of critical importance for the growth and development of children.

Objectives: The current study was conducted to find out the predictors of morbidity profile and feeding practices of children less than 24 months of age.

Methods: The study was conducted from July–September 2016 among 124 children aged less than 24 months in a slum area of Kolkata.

Results: Only 66[53.2%] had satisfactory current feeding practices and whereas 60[48.4%] were suffering from any morbidity and under nutrition. In multivariable logistic regression child age, mothers educational level and per capita income were significantly associated with satisfactory current feeding practices whereas predictors of morbidity were birth order, mothers educational level, no colostrum feeding and unsatisfactory current feeding practices.

Conclusion: Current feeding practices of the study participants were not at all satisfactory, there was high burden of morbidity which requires intervention.