Timing and factors associated with complementary feeding in India

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• Optimal infant nutrition, including timely complementary feeding at six months, is vital for reducing infant mortality.
• Delayed introduction of complementary foods can negatively impact child growth and development.
• Socioeconomic disparities may influence infant feeding practices in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the timing of complementary feeding initiation among Indian mothers.
• To identify socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the timely introduction of complementary feeding.
• To understand the implications of delayed complementary feeding for infant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Indian Human Development Survey II, including 11,218 women.
• Statistical examination of the timing of complementary feeding initiation (at 6 months, 7-9 months, and ≥10 months).
• Multivariable regression analysis to identify factors associated with delayed complementary feeding, controlling for relevant variables.

Main Results:

• Only 21% of mothers initiated complementary feeding at the recommended 6 months of age.
• A significant proportion of mothers delayed complementary feeding: 42% initiated between 7-9 months and 33% at 10 months or later.
• Mothers with low income, no formal education, and no formal work experience were significantly less likely to initiate complementary feeding at 6 months (p>0.05).

Conclusions:

• Significant delays in initiating complementary feeding were observed in the study population.
• Women from less advantaged socioeconomic groups face greater barriers to initiating complementary feeding at the recommended age.
• Addressing socioeconomic disparities is crucial for improving infant feeding practices and reducing preventable infant mortality.