Association of Malnutrition with Weaning Practices among Infants In Pakistan

OBJECTIVES To determine the association between weaning practice and malnutrition among infants. METHODOLOGY This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Pediatrics in Saidu Group Teaching Hospitals, Swat, with 133 participants selected using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Infants both genders, aged one year or younger, Pakistani nationals mentally sound mothers were included, while premature infants (born before 37th week gestation) those congenital diseases excluded. Demographic information, height weight measurements, practices, age which regular initiated collected. Weaning practices (at <6 months, 6 >6 months) recorded by questioning mothers. The determined chi-square test significant level p<0.05. RESULTSThe male-to-female ratio 1.2:1, 50.9% wearing prosthesis for less than minimum range being 3-6 years (13.66 %). Only 31 had stereognosis positive but completely satisfied their prosthesis, 85 who unsatisfied found to have sensory perception. Statistical analysis all groups shows p-value 0.000 patient satisfaction denture wear is statistically significant. Most patients least duration vice versa. value i-e 0.0001.. CONCLUSION Early initiation (before six months age) associated lower incidence