An epidemiological study of Infant & Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices, and its association with malnutrition among children of age 06-24 months in the rural areas in the Gautam Buddha Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Infant & Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are critical in ensuring optimal growth and nutrition in early childhood. Inadequate IYCF contributes significantly to childhood malnutrition. Aim & Objective: To assess IYCF practices and to find its association with malnutrition among children of age 06–24 months in rural Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: Community-based, Cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 mothers with their children of age 06 to 24 months. Data-collection was done through a house-to-house survey, using a semi-structured WHO-based IYCF questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Statistical SPSS-22 was used for data analysis, with a p-value of <0.05 was deemed 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 significant association(p <0.05) found between optimal IYCF practices & malnutrition. Children who fulfill the criteria for acceptable diet (MAD), meal frequency (MMF), and minimal dietary diversity (MDD) 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 practices of feeding are crucial for reducing child malnutrition in rural communities.