Vani Sethi1, Sushma Kashyap, Veenu Seth. 1. Department of Foods and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, New Delhi, India. vani_sethi@hotmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess current infant feeding practices (IFP) in a relocated slum, to identity the lacunae, to outline, implement, and evaluate the gain in awareness and IFP followed by mothers. METHODS: Thirty-five mothers of infants aged 5-19 months were interviewed. Based on lacunae, Nutrition Education (NE) was imparted to mothers over two months. Tools used were individual counseling, participatory learning methods, positive deviance and early adopters approach aided with existing information education communication materials. Monthly weight and length of infants was also taken. Awareness and practices on infant feeding (IF) were reviewed at mid and post NE. RESULTS: Areas of concern at baseline were (i) discarding colostrum (77.0%), (ii) feeding prelacteals (80.0%), (iii) initiation of breast-feeding (BF) after 3 days (54.3%), (iv) absence of exclusive breast-feeding (86.3%), (v) delayed complementary feeding (CF) and (vi) feeding CF grossly inadequate in quality, quantity, frequency and consistency. Post NE results revealed an improved awareness about IF amongst the mothers. An improvement was seen in variety, quantity and consistency of CF fed. Active feeding behaviours were adopted (6.6% pre-NE vs 66.6% post-NE). Early adopters (24%) served as motivators. Weight for age and weight for length showed improvement. CONCLUSION: NE programs of shorter duration using a 'communication mix' of channels with repeated reinforcement can bring about improvement not only in awareness but also in IFP.
OBJECTIVE: To assess current infant feeding practices (IFP) in a relocated slum, to identity the lacunae, to outline, implement, and evaluate the gain in awareness and IFP followed by mothers. METHODS: Thirty-five mothers of infants aged 5-19 months were interviewed. Based on lacunae, Nutrition Education (NE) was imparted to mothers over two months. Tools used were individual counseling, participatory learning methods, positive deviance and early adopters approach aided with existing information education communication materials. Monthly weight and length of infants was also taken. Awareness and practices on infant feeding (IF) were reviewed at mid and post NE. RESULTS: Areas of concern at baseline were (i) discarding colostrum (77.0%), (ii) feeding prelacteals (80.0%), (iii) initiation of breast-feeding (BF) after 3 days (54.3%), (iv) absence of exclusive breast-feeding (86.3%), (v) delayed complementary feeding (CF) and (vi) feeding CF grossly inadequate in quality, quantity, frequency and consistency. Post NE results revealed an improved awareness about IF amongst the mothers. An improvement was seen in variety, quantity and consistency of CF fed. Active feeding behaviours were adopted (6.6% pre-NE vs 66.6% post-NE). Early adopters (24%) served as motivators. Weight for age and weight for length showed improvement. CONCLUSION: NE programs of shorter duration using a 'communication mix' of channels with repeated reinforcement can bring about improvement not only in awareness but also in IFP.
Authors: Katelyn Ng Long; Lisa H Gren; Chris A Rees; Joshua H West; Parley Cougar Hall; Bobbi Gray; Benjamin T Crookston Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-04-20 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Dipen V Patel; Satvik C Bansal; Archana S Nimbalkar; Ajay G Phatak; Somashekhar M Nimbalkar; Rajendra G Desai Journal: Adv Prev Med Date: 2015-08-10