A study on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices among rural women in Jharsuguda district

Abstract

Background: Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are critical determinants of optimal growth, development, and survival during the first two years of life. Appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices play a vital role in preventing malnutrition and promoting child health.Objectives: The study aimed to assess IYCF practices and maternal knowledge regarding complementary feeding among rural women in Jharsuguda district, Odisha, and to examine the association between maternal education and selected IYCF practices.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 mothers of children aged 6 months to 6 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and hygiene behaviours. Nutritional status of children was assessed using anthropometric indicators. Chi-square test was applied to determine associations between maternal education and IYCF practices.Results: A high proportion of mothers demonstrated knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (96%) and continuation of breastfeeding up to two years (85%). However, only 46.7% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, while 31.7% combined breastfeeding with breast milk substitutes. The prevalence of Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) was 38.3%, with 55% of children having normal weight-for-height and 6.7% classified as obese. Exclusive breastfeeding was highest among mothers with upper primary education (81.8%) compared to 23.8% among mothers with no formal education. Initiation of breastfeeding since birth was high across all groups, particularly among primary educated mothers (93.75%). Hygiene practices such as hand washing before feeding were highest among primary (100%) and secondary educated mothers (91.6%). Chi-square analysis revealed no significant association between maternal education and still breastfeeding status (p = 0.177) or use of one or both breasts during feeding (p = 0.712). However, significant associations were observed between maternal education and providing additional feed after breastfeeding (p = 0.006), encouraging the child to finish all food (p<0.001), and hand washing before feeding (p = 0.018).Conclusion: Although maternal knowledge regarding IYCF practices was generally high, gaps persist in optimal feeding behaviours. Maternal education significantly influenced complementary feeding and hygiene-related practices. Strengthening community-based nutrition education and behaviour change interventions is essential to improve child nutritional outcomes in rural settings.