Feeding Practice during Diarrheal Episode among Children Aged between 6 to 23 Months in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, South India

Abstract

Background: Diarrheal disease is one of the primary causes of malnutrition in infants. In developed nations, 30% of pediatric beds are used by infants with diarrheal illnesses. The foundation of the care kit is the fluid replacement, continuous breastfeeding, and the improvement of enough fluid at home during diarrhea outbreaks. This study aimed to assess feeding practice among children aged 6 to 24 months in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, South India, during diarrheal episodesMethods: Community-based cross-sectional research design was performed among children aged 6 to 24 months from May to December 2019. To pick the research subjects, a multistage sampling technique was used. Our analysis comprised a total of 661 participants. Data was entered into the Epi details data version 7.2.3.1, exported to statistical software SPSS 20.0, and research software origin pro 8.5. During a diarrheal episode, bivariable and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine factors correlated with feeding habits. During the diarrheal episode, an odds ratio of 95 percent CI was used to assess a statistically relevant correlation between independent variables and feeding practice. Result. During diarrheal episodes, the proportion of proper feeding activity was 370 (69.94 percent). Boys were roughly 1.8 times [OR (Odds ratio); 1.87 (95 percent CI=1.20, 2.90)] more likely than girls to obtain improved food and fluid. During the diarrheal episode, mothers with one under-five child were 1.4 times more likely [OR 1.46 (95 percent CI = 0.94, 2.27)] to have adequate feeding experience relative to parents with two or more children under five. During diarrheal episodes, the risk of rising food and fuel was 0.8 times [OR 0.86 (95 percent CI= 0.58, 1.26)] higher for maternal children aged 30-40 years than those aged 20-29 years. During diarrheal episodes, mothers who gain details on feeding habits were 1.4 times [OR 1.42 (95 percent CI=0.93, 2.18)] more likely to raise their child's food and fluid relative to their counterparts.Conclusion: In this study, the number of prenatal care visits, gender, and the number of children under 5, maternal age, and mother's feeding activity knowledge were independently correlated with feeding practices during a diarrheal event. Therefore, these determinants should be the subject of aggressive programmed action to reduce infant mortality and morbidity and meet sustainable development goals.