Abstract:
Objective:
Methods:
Results:
Bandara T*, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C and
Amarasena S
canjee, rice paste, dhal,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna,
SriLanka
Improper feeding practices
have a lasting impact on the development
and health of infants. Complementary
feeding indicators have not reached the
expected levels in Sri Lanka and its
improvement is partly constrained by lack
of data.
To ascertain the current
complementary feeding practices and its
impact on growth indicators among 6-12
monthsold infants.
Data on complementary feeding
practices were obtained through an
interviewer-administered questionnaire
from mothers (n=450) attending well-baby
clinics in randomly selected Public Health
Midwifery areas in Galle district.
Until 6 months of age exclusive
breast feeding rate was 48.5% whereas,
41.0% of the babieswere givenwater before
six months. Rice
sprat, fish, carrot, pumpkin and eggs were
the food of choice for complementary
f e e d i n g . I n t h e p r e p a r a t i o n o f
complementary foods sugar and salt were
added in 42.7% and 58.1% of subjects
respectively and oil in 84.2%. Over 70.0%
mothers reported feeding with dairy
products while 41.0% with infant cereal
products, 40% chocolates, 31% plain tea,
22% with ice cream and 7% Tipi Tip. Bottle
feeding rate was 61.5% and iron or vitamin
supplement rate was 16.0%. The age
specific body weight and height was not
achieved by 32.7% and 30.5% of infants
respectively Reaching of themotor milestones age specifically in the study
group was also studied. Common illnesses
one month prior to the interview were
diarrhea (10%), vomiting (6.5%), allergies
(4.9%), skin rashes (10.5%) and mouth
rashes (3.3%) respectively. Infants with
severe infective diseases, congenital
anomalies and chronic diseases were
excluded from the study at the subject
recruitment in order to avoid confounders.
Satisfactory knowledge on basic nutrients
was seen among 30.8% of mothers and
moderate in 36.0%.
