Nourishing Recovery: Maternal Feeding Practices during Diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) among Under-five Children in a Metropolitan Resettlement Zone of the National Capital Region, in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Global evidence shows that during and after episodes of diarrhea and ARI, children’s growth is severely compromised if their diet lacks the extra nutrients needed for recovery. Increasing fluid intake while continuing to feed is crucial for better health outcomes. Aim & Objective: To assess mothers’ feeding practices during diarrhea and ARI in under?five children living in an urban resettlement zone and to identify socio?demographic and health?care factors influencing those practices. Materials and Methods: Design: Community-based cross-sectional study. Setting: Metropolitan resettlement zone of the National Capital Region, in Uttar Pradesh. Sample: 418 mothers of children < 5 years were selected via multi-stage random sampling. Data Collection: Face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested interview schedule. Data analysis: Descriptive statistics; Chi-Square analysis revealed significant associations between feeding practices with different sociodemographic and healthcare-related factors. Results: Appropriate feeding practices (continued feeding + increased fluids) during/after illness were observed in 19.9% of mothers/ caregivers. Associations between inappropriate feeding practices and younger maternal age, older child’s age, and fewer PNC visits for the mother were identified as statistically significant. (P<0.05). Conclusion: Only one-fifth of mothers followed appropriate feeding practices during diarrhea and ARI, highlighting a critical gap. Strengthening postnatal care services, targeting younger mothers, and reinforcing continued breastfeeding and feeding during illness are essential interventions to improve child nutrition and recovery outcomes.