Comparison of Infant Feeding Practices Among Urban and Rural Mothers - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives ABSTRACT Optimal infant feeding practice ranks first among the most effective interventions to improve child health. Present study was undertaken to compare infant feeding practices among urban and rural mothers and to study the social factors and cultural practices influencing the infant feeding practices. Methods This one year community based cross-sectional study was done in urban area Khasbag and at villages namely Vantamuri, Kakati ( A and B ) , Honaga and Bhutramanahatti, which are the field practice areas of department of Community Medicine Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum. By random sampling 400 urban and 380 rural mothers having one year old child were selected. Information on socio-demographic variables, infant feeding practices was recorded. Results In the present study majority of urban ( 65.00% ) as well as rural mothers ( 64.21% ) were between 20 to 24 years of age and were educated till high school ( 41.00% and 46.32% respectively ) Majority of the mothers in both urban and rural areas had given pre- lacteal feeds ( 54.25% and 57.11% respectively ) ; the most common being sugar water. Many mothers in both rural and urban areas discarded the colostrum, ( 14.75% in urban v/s 25.79% in rural ) . Initiation of breast feeding after delivery was delayed by 24.50% of mothers in urban and 33.68% of mothers in rural II areas. Many mothers did not practice demand feeding ( 61.25% urban and 32.11% rural ) . Most of the mothers in both urban ( 73.75% ) as well as rural ( 75.26% ) areas had started giving water to the child along with breast milk before 6 months of age. Majority of the mothers in the urban area started complementary feeds before the age of 6 months ( 69.20% ) whereas in the rural areas, mothers started complementary feeds at the age of 6 months ( 42.11% ) . Exclusive breast feeding rate was 16.25% in urban and 15.26% in rural areas. Conclusion and interpretation Present study revealed that various inappropriate infant feeding practices are prevalent in both urban and rural areas. Age of the mother, education, socioeconomic status, type of family, place of delivery and education about benefits of breast feeding given in the hospitals influenced the infant feeding practices. Elder’s advice played an important role in shaping the infant feeding practices.