| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Abstract
Introduction: The first 1000 days of a child's life are crucial for growth and development. Appropriate infant feeding practices, especially complementary feeding, play a vital role in optimal growth and survival.
Objective: This study aimed to assess complementary feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6–24 months.
Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal, in 2023. A total of 381 mothers were interviewed using a structured interview schedule. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Statistical analyses, such as descriptive statistics, were performed for summarizing categorical variables. Also, the Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify significant factors associated with complementary feeding practices. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: Most participants (42.8%) were aged 21-25, with a mean age of 25.74 ± 4.96 years. Complementary foods started at 6 months (65.1%), adhering to recommended dietary frequency (90.5%), minimum acceptable diet (84.7%), and dietary diversity (68.6%). However, 61.4% had improper feeding practices based on the World Health Organization guidelines. The odds of appropriate complementary feeding were higher among mothers with children aged 13-24 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.2, 95% CI; 1.4-3.5, P=0.001), primary family income from business (aOR=2.3, 95% CI; 1.1-5.0, P=0.025) or profession (aOR=2.3, 95% CI; 1.1-4.8, P=0.026), Chhetri ethnicity (aOR=2.6, 95% CI; 1.2-5.6, P=0.016), marriage at age ≥20 (aOR=2.1, 95% CI; 1.3-3.3, P=0.001), mother's age at first pregnancy ≥20 (aOR=1.9, 95% CI; 1.3-3.0, P=0.002), secondary or university education (aOR=4.9, 95% CI; 2.6-9.3, P=0.001), service occupations (aOR=3.6; 95% CI, 1.5-8.8; P=0.005), and with a history of complete antenatal care visits (aOR=2.2, 95% CI; 1.1-4.5, P=0.025).
Conclusion: The majority of respondents exhibited inappropriate complementary feeding practices. Effectively improving complementary feeding practices can be achieved by preventing child marriage, delaying early pregnancy, ensuring access to education, providing better job opportunities, and encouraging health services utilization.
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| نویسندگان مقاله |
| Rajesh Karki
Lecturer, Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| Shreeya Joshi
Public Health (BPH), Department of Public Health, Yeti Health Science Academy, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| Maheshor Kaphle
Lecturer, Department of Public Health, People's Dental College and Hospital, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
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