Complementary Feeding Practices and Their Determinants Among Children Aged 6-23 Month In Urban Poor Area Bangladesh

Abstract

Recommended complementary feeding methods are vital for the development, growth, and nutrition of an infant. The purpose of this study is to examine the current practices of complementary feeding and the factors influencing different sociodemographic variables among infants aged 6-23 months who stay in poor urban regions of Bangladesh., following updated guidelines for complementary feeding from WHO and UNICEF. A total of 112 mothers and their children are chosen from the slum area. Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices according to UNICEF and WHO guidelines were used when assessing each of the seven complementary feeding practice indicators. In addition to this, we investigated the impact of factors at the household, mother and child. 89.5% of children are being introduced to solid, semi-solid, or soft foods that is a significant number but on time 46.4% had zero vegetables or fruits consumption. Majority number of children had Minimum dietary diversity and 77.7% of children practiced Minimum meal frequency. On the other hand, the minimum acceptable diet reflected 62.7%. Egg and/or flesh food 70.5% but the alarming prevalence 78.6% of children consume sweet and beverage product. The study revealed that the results indicated that, based on the WHO's recommendation guideline, the practices of complementary feeding among mothers and children in the chosen slum areas were commendable.