Breastfeeding, weaning practices and nutritional status of infants of tea garden workers of Assam.

Breastfeeding and weaning practices are crucial for optimal growth and development during infancy. The resolution (WHA 54.2) urges Member States to support exclusive breastfeeding for first six months as a global public health recommendation(1). Continuous vigilance over infant feeding practices in community is necessary for timely interventions to ensure optimal growth and development. This study was undertaken to evaluate breastfeeding and weaning practices in relation to nutritional status of infants of tea garden workers of Assam after report of high prevalence of undernutrition. Tea is a labour intensive agro industry where mostly female employees are used as manual pluckers of tea leaves. Information about current status of breast feeding (exclusive breastfeeding and partial breast-feeding/artificial feeding) and weaning practices were obtained from mothers of 110 infants (male-57, female-53) using pre-tested questionnaire. 16.36% of mothers were literate (n = 18). 100% breast-feeding rate was maintained throughout 0 to 12 months (Table 1). Exclusive breast feeding rate was 69.35% up to 6 months of age, which was higher than their counterparts in Assam(2). However, introduction of complementary feedings was generally delayed in tea garden.