INFLUENCE OF INFANT FEEDING PRACTICE ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF 6-59 MONTHS AGED CHILDREN IN MAJHI COMMUNITY OF RAMDHUNI MUNICIPALITY, SUNSARI

Abstract

Objective: To assess the influence of infant feeding on the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in majhi community of Ramdhuni Municipality. Methods: A household descriptive cross-sectional, population based survey of under-five year age of Majhi children living in Ramdhuni Municipality,Sunsari was conducted.Census method was adopted for data collection. A structured questionnaire was administered to the mothers or caretakers. Anthropometric measurements and basic associated factors were collected. SPSS version 20 and WHO Anthro 3.2.2 version were used for data analysis. Chi-square technique was used to assess factors associated to nutritional status of children. Results: Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 26.3%, 29.8% and 19.3% respectively. There was significant association (P < 0.05) of initiation of breastfeeding and very close association with mother‘s education with wasting. There was significant association (P < 0.05) of stunting with Mother‘s education, Father‘s education, Child from elder and very close association with initiation of breastfeeding. There was significant association (P <0.05) of underweight with Vitamin A capsule and Iron Folate consumption period. Conclusion: Result of this study indicates that under nutrition is still an important problem among aged 6 to 59 months children in majhi communityof Ramdhuni Municipality, Sunsari. To get better nutritional status of children, greater emphasis should be given to under five year children with community based awareness programs to mother and care givers. Also, the nutrition intervention programs focusing above risk factors should be launched immediately to overcome the problems.