CHILD-FEEDING PRACTICES IN A SUB-URBAN MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN MANIPUR: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. H. Kulabidhu Singh,
Department of Community Medicine,
JNIMS,
Imphal-795005.
Email: kb_heisnam@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT: The present study was done in a Muslim predominant area located in the suburbs of Imphal East district, Manipur to study the child-feeding practices and also to identify the key factors which might have an effect on it. 384 mothers having under-five children selected on PPS basis in the 11 existing villages in the area were interviewed. Pre-lacteals were used by 11% of mothers; exclusive breastfeeding rate up-to six months of age was 69%, the frequency of breastfeeding was adequate for 53% and more than half of mothers continued breastfeeding for 12-30 months. The exclusive breastfeeding rate was not associated with literacy status of mother, place of delivery or type of family. Complimentary feeding was started by 37% of mothers before the child attained six months of age. It was satisfactory in terms of quantity, quality, frequency and mode of feeding in 66% of cases. This had a significant relationship with the mothers’ literacy status. The rampant use of commercial infant formula feeds by 71% of mothers for complimentary feeding, warrants educating them to replace with locally available cheap food items.

KEYWORDS: Muslim community, Breastfeeding, Complimentary feeding.