Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Tribal Children Under 5 Years of Age in ITDA Paderu Division, Visakhapatnam

Introduction : Nutritional status of any community is influenced by interplay of various factors including beliefs, customs, food availability in the region. Children from tribal groups are particularly under privileged. They have higher rates of morbidity and are known to receive less than desired nutritional intake. The present study was conducted with the objectives to study the feeding practices of Tribal Children aged 6 months to 5 years and to assess the nutritional status of these children. Methodology: A Community based cross-sectional study conducted in ITDA Paderu division of Visakhapatnam district. Study population include tribal children in the age group of 6 months to 5 years. A sample of 181 children were surveyed. After taking consent, information was obtained from mother/care taker on feeding practices according to IYCF and IMNCI guidelines. Results: Majority (88.4%) of children received exclusive breast feeding. In 26% children introduction of solid and semisolid food was delayed beyond 6 months. Among the children aged 6 months to 2 years, 80% had minimum diversity in their diet, 71.2 % had minimum meal frequency and 48.5% were taking minimum acceptable diet. Among the children 2 to 5 years of age, 62.6% were taking 3 meals and 2 nutritious foods per day. Prevalence of Underweight (<-2 of WHO Z score) was found as 49.2%, stunting as 51% and wasting as 32.2%. Conclusion: Feeding practices of tribal children in the early infancy are satisfactory. However in the late infancy and early childhood, there is deficiency in the frequency and adequacy of the feeds leading to wasting and stunting.