Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part B (2019)
Counseling to mothers promotes complementary feeding (CF) practices and growth of children under 2 years of age a cluster randomized control trial
Author(s):
Nagaraj Kondagunta, Divakar S Nayak, Veena G Kamath and Asha Kamath
Abstract:
Objective: To promote complementary feeding (CF) practices and to improve the physical growth of children less than 2 years of age through, counseling mothers and the family members.
Methods: A community based cluster randomized controlled trial (CRT) was conducted in Udupi taluk. All the pregnant mothers registered during the third trimester and the newborn children followed until 2 years of age in the selected Anganwadi (AW) centers. Home based counseling was provided to the family at different points of time. Counseling was based on continuation of breastfeeding, complementary feeding and different types of foods, optimal feeding, hygiene and care of sick child. All the newborns were followed until 2 year of age.
Results: Baseline characteristics of the subjects found to be similar in both the groups. The baseline knowledge assessed on a 15-point scale, the mean score in both groups was very much similar. Mean measured weight increased significantly in the intervention group (0.794 kg, p<0.002) at 24 months of age. The mean age of introducing CF, intake of total quantity of food in the form of energy and protein (p<0.001) was significantly high in intervention group compared to control group during the second year of life.
Conclusion: The study findings clearly show that family level counseling does improve the feeding practices and nutritional status of children less than 2 years of age.
Pages: 88-95 | 2772 Views 928 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Nagaraj Kondagunta, Divakar S Nayak, Veena G Kamath and Asha Kamath. Counseling to mothers promotes complementary feeding (CF) practices and growth of children under 2 years of age a cluster randomized control trial. Int. J. Adv. Community Med. 2019;2(2):88-95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/comed.2019.v2.i2b.12
