ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL FEEDING PRACTICES WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN SIX MONTHS TO TWO YEARS OF AGE IN RURAL AREAS OF LAHORE, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a significant issue in developing and underdeveloped countries, severely impacting children's growth and development. In Asia, particularly in Pakistan, food availability is not the main issue, but inadequate maternal feeding practices contribute significantly to malnutrition, including underweight, stunting, and wasting.

Objective: To assess the association between maternal feeding practices and the nutritional status of children aged 6 months to 2 years in rural areas.

Materials and Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional analytical design conducted at the University of Health Sciences Lahore (UHS) in collaboration with three Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centers in Shahdara town, Lahore. The study population included mothers with children aged 6 months to 2 years. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were taken using standard methods. Convenience sampling was used for data collection, facilitated by a self-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean ± SD). Nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth criteria, with Z scores applied for analysis and interpretation of results.

Results: The study results shows that the  mean weight of the children as per weight for height z-score shows wasting is not a prevalent problem in rural areas that was only 4.7% collectively for mild, moderate and sever, but the finding of  height for age as per z-score alarming that was 97.3% collectively for mild, moderate and sever. Sever stunting was 84.2%.

Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition, particularly stunting, is high among children in rural areas. Inadequate maternal feeding practices and lack of awareness about proper nutrition are major contributing factors. The study underscores the need for improved maternal education and community-level nutritional management programs to address malnutrition effectively. Further research and targeted interventions are recommended to enhance children's nutritional status and overall health in these communities.