Assessing Feeding Practices and Their Impact on Anthropometric Measurements in Children Under 2 Years in Urban Pune: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigates the feeding practices and their influence on anthropometric measurements in children under 2 years old in selected areas of Pune city, India. Proper nutrition during early childhood is crucial for healthy growth and development, and this research aims to shed light on the complex interplay of factors that affect child nutrition in urban settings. Material and methods: The study comprises 400 participants, primarily mothers or caregivers, and children up to 2 years old. It utilizes a cross-sectional design with systematic random sampling to ensure representativeness within Pune's diverse socio-economic and cultural landscape. Result: Key findings include the predominance of children in the 6-12 months age group, the high percentage of full-term births and adequate birth weights, and a diverse range of feeding practices among mothers. Notably, 20.25% of mothers exhibited poor feeding practices, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve adherence to recommended practices. Conclusion: The dietary choices of children were assessed, revealing a prevalence of processed foods, particularly biscuits, in their diets. Anthropometric measurements indicated both normal nutritional status and instances of undernutrition and stunting among the studied population. Crucially, the study establishes a strong link between good feeding practices, especially in children aged 6-12 months, and improved nutritional outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of maternal education and nutritional interventions to enhance child nutrition in urban environments like Pune. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of feeding practices and child nutrition in urban India, highlighting the urgency of tailored interventions to ensure the healthy growth and development of young children in these settings.