Study on factors affecting complementary feeding practices in infants and young children in a rural area of Bihar

Introduction: Proper infant and young child feeding practices are essential for the prevention of childhood morbidity and mortality. NFHS-4 reported that about half of the children in Bihar are not receiving complementary foods timely. The present study was conducted to assess the factors affecting the complementary feeding of infants and young children. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted upon mothers/ caretakers of 400 children age 6-24 months. Sociodemographic details and complementary feeding practices were noted. Results: The mean age of initiation of complementary feeding was 5.2 months. Cereals were the most common complementary food given while only 19% of children received food from all the food groups. Half of the children (50.8%) were given food of appropriate consistency and 41% were given the proper amount. 53.8% were given marketed foods. A significant association was seen between ideal practices and type of family (p=0.002), mother’s education (p=0.000), socioeconomic status (p=0.000) and IYCF related advice given during immunization sessions (p=0.000). Conclusion: Appropriate feeding practice is very low and effort should be made to increase the appropriate feeding practices.