A ) WEANING PRACTICES AND THEIR DETERMINANTS AMONG MOTHERS OF INFANTS

This study was designed to assess the weaning practices among mothers of infants 6-12 months of age and to compare these practices among different socio-economic and demographic variables. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in D & E blocks of AIMC residential colony, from May 2006 to September 2006. A total of 50 infants (6-12m of age) were included in the study. Their feeding pattern and weaning practices were studied using self-administered questionnaire. They were grouped in two categories according to their age of commencement of weaning. Forty two (84%) infants were receiving weaning foods in addition to milk. Recom-mended age (6 months) was noticed in 42 cases (84%), while delayed weaning was seen in 8 (16%). Timely weaning was noticed in breastfed infants, 34 (70%). Even if weaning was started at the correct age, several problems were observed. This included infrequent feeding, use of expensive commercial cereals given in diluted form instead of home prepared foods and improper food preparation practices were also observed. The quality, type and choice of food was not ideal for an adequate growth. Recommended weaning time (4-6 m) and delayed weaning was analysed in relation to socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the infant’s mothers and their families. Delayed commencement of weaning had a statistical significant relationship with age, education, family income, occupation of father and mother, parity of mother and also large family size (p<0.05). Bottle-fed babies had significantly delayed weaning i.e more than 9 months. Sex of the child was not significantly related to early or delayed weaning (p>0.05). Incorrect weaning practices are an issue of public health in developing countries. The identification and analysis of weaning practices prevalent in low socioeconomic households can lead to remedial strategies for improving the nutritional status of infants and, thereby, help to reduce infant mortality and morbidity rate.