Abstract

Introduction: Improper infant breastfeeding practice among preschool children has an association with under nutrition and child deaths particularly in developing countries like India. Nutritional status of children of urban slums is worst amongst all urban groups and even poorer than rural average. Hence the present study was taken to investigate the exclusive breastfeeding practices and its effects on nutritional status of preschool children in a urban slum. Materials and Methods: Mid arm circumference (MAC) nearest to 0.1 cm was noted by standard methods as reported by D.B. Jelliffe. WHO child growth standards age and sex specific Z score values were used for assessment of nutritional status. Information regarding exclusive breastfeeding was obtained from mothers. Data obtained was statistically analyzed using chi square test. Results: 29.88% boys and 27.17% girls were malnourished. Excusive breast feeding was seen only in 64.36% of boys and 48.91% girls. Malnutrition was less among exclusively breastfed boys and girls when compared to non exclusively breastfed boys and girls. Conclusion: The present study shows that non exclusive breast feeding is highly prevalent in urban slums, and is significantly associated malnutrition in children. Hence the awareness regarding benefits of exclusive breastfeeding needs to be emphasized in the urban slum areas.

Authors and Affiliations