Anthropometric Status and Child Feeding Practices of Children (6-24 Months) in Umuahia North Local Area, Abia State

INTRODUCTION The health outcomes of a child are directly correlated with their feeding practices, which are, in turn, contingent on the knowledge and practices of the mother [1]. The initial year of a child's life is pivotal in ensuring appropriate growth and development [2] highlighted that inadequate feeding practices during the first year have both immediate and enduring repercussions. It is estimated that improper feeding contributes to approximately one-third of global malnutrition cases. Ensuring the health, growth, and development of children necessitates adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood [3]. Thus, optimal feeding in the initial year presents an opportunity to prevent growth faltering and under-nutrition [3]. Inadequate feeding practices have also been associated with diminished reproductive capacity, complicated deliveries, and increased incidence of low-birth-weight infants in women who experienced malnutrition in childhood [4]. According to WHO [1], malnutrition during this period initiates a cascade of issues, starting with reduced weight for age and stunting, progressing to the inability to reach full height potential in adulthood, and diminished physical work capacity, ultimately impacting national development. Enhancing child feeding practices in children aged 6 to 24 months is crucial for improved nutritional status, growth, and development.