Feeding practices of Children under Two Years of Age in Karbalaa

Abstract

Aim: The study sought to investigate local feeding practices of children aged two years and below and to identify unfavorable beliefs and practices regarding the feeding process.Subjects and Methods:- this cross- sectional study was carried out in Karbalaa Pediatric hospital for the period between 2nd of January through April 2006. 500 mothers having children aged two years and below were inter viewed while attending the out patient clinic of Karbalaa pediatric hospital. The data was collected through inter viewing the mothers by using a special questionnaire form.Results: The results showed that the majority of mothers (96%) breast fed their babies initially but a large number 258 (51.6%) introduced the bottle feeding too early; and the most common reason for introducing bottle feeding was insufficient milk in the breast (50.7%) The study also showed that more than half, 288 (57.6%) of the mothers gave prelacteal feed.More than half of the mothers 261 (52.2%) in the study started complementary feeding at the proper time. Most of the mothers in the study weaned their children abruptly.Mother in law was the main source of information about feeding. There has been a significant association between type of feeding and mother’s age, occupation and educational level.Key Words:- Feeding, Practices, Under 2yearschildren,Karbalaa