Assessment of Weaning Practice for 6-23 Months Child and the Knowledge of Pregnant and Lactating Mother among the Rural People - a case study of Naogaon Thana in Bangladesh

Abstract

Malnutrition among Bangladeshi children especially in some rural areas remain unacceptably high. The indicators of malnutrition among young children and mothers are directly associated with the behaviors related to feeding practices. Evidence suggests that behaviors need to be changed either at the individual, family or health service provider level if a sustainable change in levels of malnutrition are to be achieved. However, behavioral change is a complex process that requires a clear understanding of current behaviors and the local socio-cultural context that impact these behaviors, and consequently, the nutritional status of women and children. It is anticipated and also evident in some study that they do not know much about weaning or the complimentary food for the children. As well as, child health workers in villages are also not expert in this respect. A household survey involving in-depth interviews and personal observation was conducted, attempting to assess the weaning practice and knowledge of pregnant and lactating mother about weaning and complementary foods. Among 52 families in Naogoan Thana of the Naogoan district only 13.46 % children, whose age is 6–23 months get complementary foods. Except those 7 families other family members and mothers do not know much about this weaning or complementary food. In these family’s children eat the same food which is made for the other family members. In this work I also found that most of the village pregnant and lactating mothers does not eat properly. They do not get proper nutrition due to lack of knowledge. Most of the respondents in this case ware illiterate that’s why they don’t know much about the importance of nutrition. Weaning practice is also inappropriate and inadequate. Although, some initiatives from the government and some NGOs have been taken to educate pregnant and lactating mother about nutritional wellbeing but these endeavors are also found insufficient and irregular. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are still advocated by illiterate family members in terms of nutritional wellbeing in the studied area.