Infant Feeding Related Behaviours leading to Malnutrition
Sadia Shaker, Noreen Naseem, Nadia Zaman
Keywords: Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant Food; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Outpatients
ABSTRACT
Introduction: During infancy the proper diet is very crucial regarding their physical and brain development. There is no doubt that breast milk is the best nutrition of these kids but once weaning starts as for example after 4-6 months, other dietary supplements become important too.
Objective: This study was done to highlight the indicators and malnutrition in infants.
Methods: The cross- sectional study was done in the outdoor of pediatrics, Rahimyar khan Public Hospital among infants from January to September 2025. Based on combined prevalence of stunting and wasting of 42% among infants, 8 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error, calculated sample size was 375. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used to enroll participants. Children with congenital abnormalities, and acute sever infections were excluded from study.
Results: The mean age of children was 14.2 ± 5.3 months, with male predominance 52.0% (n=195). Nearly two thirds of the participants 64.8% (n=243) successfully introduced solid or semisolid foods at six months, whereas only 40.0% (n=150) of the mothers continued breastfeeding until 12 months. The composite diet quality measures were startlingly poor. Of the infants, only 21.9% (n=82) reached the Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) level and 44.8% (n=168) satisfied the Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF) requirements. Only 12.0% (n=45) of the children followed Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD)
Conclusion: To decrease the high burden of infant stunting and wasting in Pakistan, immediate, context specific nutritional interventions that emphasize dietary quality and maternal education are crucial.
Keywords: Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant Food; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Outpatients