Infant and young child feeding indicators and determinants of poor feeding practices in India : secondary data analysis of National Family Health Survey 2005–06

Abstract

Background: In India, poor feeding practices in early
childhood contribute to the burden of malnutrition and
infant and child mortality.
Objective. To estimate infant and young child feeding
indicators and determinants of selected feeding practices
in India.

Methods: The sample consisted of 20,108 children
aged 0 to 23 months from the National Family Health
Survey India 2005–06. Selected indicators were examined
against a set of variables using univariate and
multivariate analyses.

Results: Only 23.5% of mothers initiated breastfeeding
within the first hour after birth, 99.2% had ever
breastfed their infant, 89.8% were currently breastfeeding,
and 14.8% were currently bottle-feeding. Among
infants under 6 months of age, 46.4% were exclusively
breastfed, and 56.7% of those aged 6 to 9 months received
complementary foods. The risk factors for not exclusively
breastfeeding were higher household wealth index
quintiles (OR for richest = 2.03), delivery in a health
facility (OR = 1.35), and living in the Northern region.
Higher numbers of antenatal care visits were associated
with increased rates of exclusive breastfeeding (OR for
≥ 7 antenatal visits = 0.58). The rates of timely initiation
of breastfeeding were higher among women who were
better educated (OR for secondary education or above =
0.79), were working (OR = 0.79), made more antenatal
clinic visits (OR for ≥ 7 antenatal visits = 0.48), and
were exposed to the radio (OR = 0.76). The rates were
lower in women who were delivered by cesarean section
(OR = 2.52). The risk factors for bottle-feeding included
cesarean delivery (OR = 1.44), higher household wealth
index quintiles (OR = 3.06), working by the mother
(OR=1.29), higher maternal education level (OR=1.32),
urban residence (OR=1.46), and absence of postnatal
examination (OR=1.24). The rates of timely complementary
feeding were higher for mothers who had more
antenatal visits (OR=0.57), and for those who watched
television (OR=0.75).

Conclusions: Revitalization of the Baby Friendly Hospital
Initiative in health facilities is recommended. Targeted
interventions may be necessary to improve infant
feeding practices in mothers who reside in urban areas,
are more educated, and are from wealthier households.