Impact of Nutrition and Health Education of Mothers on Infant and Child Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children in Amreli District, Gujarat.

BACKGROUND

National nutrition programs are in operation for the last four decades, yet undernutrition continues to be an important public health problem in India. The study was carried out during 2016-2019 to assess the impact of health and nutrition education on infant and young child feeding practices and the nutritional status of the children.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A community-based pre- and post-intervention study was carried out in the Amreli District of Gujarat. Nutrition and health education intervention through posters, banners, pamphlets, and group discussion was imparted. Chi-square test and multivariable regression analysis were carried out.

RESULTS

A total of 500 HHs were covered at both time points. There was significant improvement in availing ≥4 antenatal practices (69% vs. 87%), early registration of pregnancy (80% to 90%), consumption of ≥100 iron and folic acid tablets (68% to 76%), early initiation of breastfeeding (39% to 54%), exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months (41% vs. 69%), complementary feeding among 12- to 35-month children at 6-8 months (77% to 87%), sanitation and hygienic practices. The prevalence of underweight and wasting has declined significantly from 39% to 32% and from 20% to 13.6%, respectively. Community, education of mothers, per capita income, sanitary latrine, and cooking fuel were associated with the risk of undernutrition.

CONCLUSION

There was improvement in infant and young child feeding practices among mothers, and undernutrition has declined during the study period. Therefore, there is a need of regular health and nutrition education along with regular growth monitoring, hygienic practices, and sanitation to reduce undernutrition among children.