“Hygiene and IYCF (Infant and Young Child Feeding) practices among selected Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals’ Pregnant and Lactating Women in camps of Cox’s Bazar

Abstract

A large number of Myanmar people fled due to violence in their country and entered Bangladesh. Government of Bangladesh give them status of FDMN. This study investigates the hygiene and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices among selected Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLWs) in the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) camps of Cox’s Bazar. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 207 respondents via door-to-door visit and individual interviews using a quantitative approach. The findings reveal that a majority of households having four to eight members. A concerning 86% of mothers are illiterate, highlighting the need for focused literacy initiatives. While the majority of PLWs practice good hygiene, particularly in handwashing after defecation, there are gaps in handwashing before eating and food preparation, signaling areas for improvement in promoting hygiene education. In terms of IYCF practices, breastfeeding is prevalent, with 86.5% of mothers breastfeeding their infants and 82.6% providing colostrum. However, delayed initiation of breastfeeding and the limited variety in children's diets raise concerns about the adequacy of nutrition. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions that address the specific cultural and health needs of PLWs in the camps. Recommendations include enhanced literacy programs, hygiene promotion campaigns, improved access to water and sanitation, breastfeeding support, and diversified complementary feeding education. Collaborative efforts among local authorities, healthcare professionals, and community leaders are essential to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these interventions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the health and well-being of PLWs and their children in the Cox’s Bazar camps.