Association of Practices Regarding Infant and Young Child Feeding with Anthropometry Measurements Among an Urban Population in Karnataka, India

Background Mothers' knowledge of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) play a crucial role in the overall growth and development of a child, determined by their anthropometry. Malnutrition has been linked to the short- and long-term effects on child health and, ultimately, national development. This community-based cross-sectional study focuses on the nutritional parameters of infants and young children in an urban slum population. The primary objective was to study IYCF from birth up to two years of age. The secondary objective involved studying the association between feeding practices and anthropometric measurements among children of 12-23 months of age. Methods The mothers of 96 children who were between 12 and 23 months of age, living in the urban slum of B.K Nagar, Bangalore, India, were administered the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) IYCF questionnaire. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding information from these children from birth to 24 months were obtained. Anthropometric measurements were measured with appropriate calibrations. Results The population consisted of 57.3% females and 42.7% males. All children had mean anthropometric measurements below the World Health Organization Multicentre Growth Reference Study (WHO-MGRS) standard (weight for age in males, P=0.009, and females P=0.005). A delay in the initiation of breastfeeding was observed in female children (54.5%), showing a significant reduction in their weight (P=0.020) as compared to those initiated early. There was also a declining trend of continuation of breastfeeding from age 12 months to 23 months. The study revealed a high consumption of gripe water (68.8%) and bottle feeding (40.4%). A significant difference was found in children who consumed nutritious food, especially meat, with height (P=0.018) and weight (P=0.011), along with other foods. Conclusion IYCF and anthropometry have a direct association, evidence of which is reflected by the mother’s knowledge of feeding practices along with other socioeconomic parameters.