DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i06.066

Pages: 2403-2409

India is a country with low exclusive breast feeding practices and introduction of pre-lacteal feeding is a known barrier for exclusive breast feeding practices. However, knowledge about the factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding is low. The objective of the current study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices among mothers having children 0-12 months in rural areas of Kamrup, Assam. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st February 2014 to 31st July 2014. A total number of 540 mothers took part in this study. Cluster random sampling was used for selecting the villages. Predesigned semi structured schedule was used to interview mothers regarding pre lacteal feeding practices. Among 540 mothers, 149 (27.5%) had given pre lacteal feeds to their infants. Sugar water was the most common form of (49%) pre lacteal feeds followed by plain water (37.5%). Elder’s advices were found to be the most common (34.8%) reason given for the pre lacteal feeding practices. The association between various determinants and the pre lacteal feeding practices were found to be significant (P<0.05).Pre lacteal feeding practices are still major problem in rural India and it is significantly associated with educational status, socioeconomic status, place of delivery and maternal knowledge of IYCF. Therefore, emphasis should be given to improve mothers knowledge regarding IYCF practices and encouragement if institutional delivery. Special attention should be given to mothers with lower socio-economic status to increase their knowledge about better IYCF practices.