IJHSR

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research

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Original Research Article

Year: 2017 | Month: April | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 23-28

Breastfeeding Practices in a Rural Area of Dibrugarh District: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study

Partha Saikia1, Ratna Sarma2, Rimpi Gogoi3

1Registrar, 2Professor and Head of the Department, 3Demonstrator,
Dept of Community Medicine, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam

Corresponding Author: Partha Saikia

ABSTRACT

Background: Feeding the child with breast milk soon after birth is the first fundamental right of the child. Correct breastfeeding practices is essential for survival, proper growth and development of a newborn.
Objective: To assess the breastfeeding practices in a rural area of Dibrugarh District
Material and method: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 infants aged 0-6 months in a rural area of Dibrugarh district, Assam from August 2013 to July 2014. Data was collected by interviewing the mothers of the infants using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma.
Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed using standard statistical software: SPSS (version 16.0) and presented by using percentage.
Results: Majority of the infants (55.3%) infant were in the age group of 5-6 months. 51.8% were males and 60.7% were of birth order 1. 82.5% belonged to Hindu religion, 67.3% belonged to OBC category and 68.5% were joint families. Most of the families (42.0%) belonged to socioeconomic Class IV. Majority of the deliveries (97.7%) were institutional.73.5% neonates were initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. 91.8% neonates were fed colostrums. 16.7% neonates were given pre-lacteal feed. 90.7% were breastfed 8 or more times in 24 hours. 91.1% neonates were breastfed on demand. 89.9% neonates were breastfed from both the breasts in each feed. 93.4% were breastfed till they left it own. All the neonates (100.0%) were breastfed at night.
Conclusion: Proper health and nutritional education should be provided to all pregnant and lactating mothers for promotion and protection of correct breastfeeding practices.

Key words: Early initiation of breastfeeding, Colostrum, Prelacteal Feeding, Rural area.

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