Feeding and weaning practices of children with severe acute malnutrition - an observational study.

Introduction: Breastfeeding and weaning are the very important aspect of child nutrition and any issue with these may adversely affect the overall health of child. Material and Methods: A total of 375 infant and children (6 months to 5 years) of acute severe malnutrition were enrolled in the study during a period of one year (January 2010- December 2010) and a detailed history and physical examination finding were recorded in pretested proforma at the time of admission. Feeding and weaning history taken in detail by caregiver. Results: Only 9.3% patients had exclusive breast feeding up to 5 months of age. Mean duration of exclusive breast feeding was 2.6 ± 1.5 months. Out of 375 patients, 40.4% patients started complementary feeding after 9 months of age. Mean age of weaning was 8.4±3.9 months. Breast feeding was stopped in 37.5 % patients before 6 month of age. Severity of malnutrition (Indian academy of pediatrics grade III & IV) was more in patients of above 9 months of age those did not started weaning as compared to those below 9 months of age (78.5% v/s 55.5%). Conclusion: Delayed starting of complementary feeding and less duration of exclusive breastfed is important factor associated with for severe acute malnutrition.