Assessment Of Infant And Young Child Feeding Practices Among Children With Acute Malnutrition: A Cross-Sectional Study At A Tertiary Care Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre In South India

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition remains a major public health problem among children under five years of age, with inappropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices being one of its leading contributors. Assessing these practices is essential for developing effective nutritional interventions and improving child health outcomes.

Aim/Objectives: To assess infant and young child feeding practices among children admitted to the Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) with acute malnutrition at a tertiary care Medical College Hospital in South India.

Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months among 80 children with acute malnutrition aged 6–59 months admitted to the  NRC at a tertiary care Medical College Hospital in South India. Information regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices was collected from caregivers using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Among the participants, 40(50%) had severe acute malnutrition and 40(50%) had moderate acute malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding was reported in 37(46.3%), timely complementary feeding in 50(62.5%), minimum dietary diversity in 28(35.0%), and minimum acceptable diet in 20(25.0%) of children. The mean weight-for-height Z score was −2.99 ± 0.74, while the mean MUAC was 11.14 ± 0.68 cm, indicating significant acute malnutrition.

Conclusion: Suboptimal IYCF practices, particularly inadequate exclusive breastfeeding and poor complementary feeding quality, were common among malnourished children. Strengthening caregiver education and promoting recommended IYCF practices may help reduce childhood malnutrition and improve nutritional outcomes.