Article ViewAbstractInternational Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2015,5,3,228-231.DOI:10.4103/2230-8598.161536Published:July 2015Type:Original ArticleInfant and young child feeding practices and its determinants in an urbanized village of DelhiAnita Gupta, and Pragti Chhabra Anita Gupta, Pragti Chhabra Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India Abstract:Introduction: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are fundamental for the survival, health, growth, and development of children. It is important to study factors that determine these practices in a community. The present study is designed to assess the prevalence of optimal IYCF practices and its determinants in an urbanized village of Delhi. Materials and Methods: Mothers of children 0-23 months of age were interviewed using a structured and semi open-ended questionnaire to record information on IYCF practices. Results: A total of 194 children were included in the study. Breastfeeding (BF) was initiated within 1 h of birth in 49.5% of children. Early initiation of BF was significantly higher in children born in government institutions, normal births and in families with higher income. Prelacteal feeds were given by 47.4% of mothers, children born at home and private institution and caesarean births received prelacteal feeds more often. Colostrum was given by 79.4% of the mothers. Children born in the government institution were more likely to receive colostrum (P < 0.05). The prevalence of exclusive BF (EBF) for 6 months or more was 56.5%. It was higher in children of first birth order and institutional births (P < 0.05). Complementary feeding was started at 6 months in 54.6% of these children. Children of mothers with higher education and boys were more likely to be started on timely complementary feeding than girls. Conclusions: The IYCF practices in the area were not satisfactory, although better than the national average. Early initiation and EBF for 6 months were higher in children born in government institutions. Thus, awareness about IYCF practices has to be increased among the health personnel in the public and private sectors and mothers. Keywords:complementary feeding, exclusive breastfeeding, infant and young child feeding, initiation of breastfeedingView:PDF (432.18 KB) PDFClick here to download the PDF file. ‹ Epidemiological survey of fluorosis in a village of Bastar division of Chhattisgarh state, India up A clinicomicrobial study of diabetic foot ulcer infections in South India ›