An epidemiological study of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices and its association with malnutrition among children aged 6-24 months in rural area of the District Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Abstract

Background: Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are critical for ensuring optimal growth and nutrition in early childhood. Inadequate IYCF contributes significantly to childhood malnutrition and under-five mortality. Aim & Objective: To assess IYCF practices and to find its association with malnutrition among children aged 6–24 months in rural Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 mothers with children aged 6 to 24 months. Data was collected through a house-to-house survey using a semi-structured WHO-based IYCF questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Only 22.3% of participants followed optimal IYCF practices. The prevalence of malnutrition was 23.4%, with stunting (52.5%) being the most common form. A statistically significant association (p <0.05) was found between optimal IYCF practices and malnutrition. Children meeting minimum dietary diversity, meal frequency, and acceptable diet criteria had notably lower malnutrition rates. Conclusion: The study highlights the low prevalence of optimal IYCF practices and their significant protective effect against malnutrition. Strengthening maternal education and promoting proper feeding practices are crucial for reducing child malnutrition in rural communities.

Key Words: IYCF, Malnutrition, MDD, MMF, MAD.