Feeding Practices among Infants in a Rural Community in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Rajat Das Gupta Intern Doctor, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2014.99

Keywords:

Breast Feeding, Infant, Feeding Behaviour, Bangladesh, Hand Disinfection

Abstract

Background: Proper feeding practices during infancy are necessary for the growth and development of infants and to prevent malnutrition. This study was conducted to describe the feeding practice among infants in a rural area in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2013. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews of 212 mothers using a pretested questionnaire.

Results: Exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding rates were 40.6% and 97.3%, respectively. One third of the mothers practiced prelactal feeding, and honey was the most common item. Maternal illness (72.7%) was the most common reason for not giving breast milk. Infant formula was used as an alternative food in majority of the cases (72.7%).

Conclusion: Percentage of exclusive breast feeding was not satisfactory. Encouragement of female education is recommended to improve feeding practices and infant care

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Author Biography

Rajat Das Gupta, Intern Doctor, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh

Rajat Das Gupta is an intern doctor working at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He completed his MBBS at Dhaka Medical College in May 2014

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Published

2014-09-15

How to Cite

Das Gupta, R. (2014). Feeding Practices among Infants in a Rural Community in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Medical Students, 2(3), 115–118. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2014.99

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2014)

Section

Original Article

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