Patterns and Variations in Complementary Feeding Practices Among Mothers of Children Aged 6–24 Months Attending Immunization Clinics in Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 03 | Page : 43 53
    By

    Eric K. Elliason,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Stephen Monday,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

  1. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
  2. Director, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary feeding introduces solid or semisolid foods to an infant’s diet while breastfeeding. In India, feeding infants and young children is determined by their socioeconomic status, cultural practices, and healthcare access. The study assesses the feeding practices of mothers with children aged 6–24 months who come for immunization at Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 350 mothers selected through systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on maternal age, education, employment status, family structure, and timing and frequency of food introduction and other feeding practices. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and cross-tabulation for sociodemographic variables were conducted to determine association with feeding practices. Results: Practitioners revealed that the complementary feeding practices showed a remarkable difference across the age groups of mothers. Only 31.1% of mothers followed the recommended timeline of introducing food at the 6-month mark, while the rest either did it earlier (33.7%) or later (35.1%). The data also revealed that 51% of mothers started breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, but only 46% continued breastfeeding after those stages. 45% of mothers reported prelacteal feeds. The mother’s age and the introduction of complementary foods showed no important relationship with each other, p = 0.681. This means that there are many other overriding variables such as education and healthcare accessibility. Conclusions: This study has pointed out some issues in adhering to optimal feeding practices, most notably regarding prelacteal feeds and the early introduction of complementary foods. Sociodemographic variables, such as maternal education and employment, influence these practices. Implementing measures to improve appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices is necessary, especially for more educationally challenged mothers.

Keywords: Complementary feeding, breastfeeding, prelacteal feeds, infant nutrition, sociodemographic, maternal education, public health.

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology ]

How to cite this article:
Eric K. Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Patterns and Variations in Complementary Feeding Practices Among Mothers of Children Aged 6–24 Months Attending Immunization Clinics in Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology. 2025; 15(03):43-53.
How to cite this URL:
Eric K. Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Patterns and Variations in Complementary Feeding Practices Among Mothers of Children Aged 6–24 Months Attending Immunization Clinics in Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology. 2025; 15(03):43-53. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjomv/article=2025/view=233163


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 03
Received 15/04/2025
Accepted 27/07/2025
Published 28/07/2025
Publication Time 104 Days
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