A Comparative Study on feeding practices among well-nourished and malnourished Children in Western India

Abstract

Introduction

Feeding practices significantly influence the nutritional status of children, particularly during the first two years of

life. Inadequate breastfeeding and delayed complementary feeding contribute to malnutrition, a major public

health concern. This study focuses on a rural block of Vadodara district, aiming to compare socio-demographic

factors and feeding practices between well-nourished and malnourished children. The findings may guide targeted

nutrition education and community interventions to improve child health outcomes and reduce malnutrition

related morbidity and mortality in the local context.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to February 2022 in 30 anganwadis of

Vadodara district, Gujarat, using a thirty-cluster sampling method. A total of 246 children aged 6–60 months

(including Severe Acute Malnutrition, Moderate Acute Malnutrition, and normal) were selected. Data on socio

demographics and feeding practices were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire administered to mothers.

Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements, including weight, height/length, and MUAC,

were recorded. The variables were compared with appropriate statistical tests and p-value less than 0.05 was

considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 246 children were included (120 well-nourished, 126 malnourished). Malnutrition was significantly

associated with age, low birth weight, father's education, and mother's occupation. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)

was more common among well-nourished children as compared to malnourished(p<0.05). Complementary feeding

practices, early initiation of Breast feeding were proportionately more in the well-nourished group but not

statistically significant.

Conclusion

Malnutrition was associated with a child's age, lower birth weight, father’s literacy, and mother’s occupation.

Exclusive breastfeeding significantly influenced nutritional status, highlighting its importance. Other feeding

practices showed no significant difference between well-nourished and malnourished children, indicating the need

for focused breastfeeding promotion.