Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2058
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dc.contributor.authorPerera, P.J.en_US
dc.contributor.authorFernando, M.en_US
dc.contributor.authorWarnakulasuriya, T.en_US
dc.contributor.authorRanathunga, N.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2014-10-29T09:32:29Z
dc.date.available2014-10-29T09:32:29Z
dc.date.issued2011en_US
dc.identifier.citationInternational Breastfeeding Journal; 6:18en_US
dc.identifier.issn1746-4358 (Electronic)en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2058
dc.descriptionIndexed in Scopus; Indexed in MEDLINEen
dc.description.abstractBACKGROUND: Feeding during early childhood is important for normal physical and mental growth as well as for health in later life. Currently, Sri Lanka has adopted the WHO recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for six months, followed by addition of complementary feeds thereafter, with continuation of breastfeeding up to or beyond two years. This study was conducted to evaluate the current feeding practices among Sri Lankan children during early childhood. METHODS: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area. It was conducted between 10 August 2010 and 30 October 2010. Children between the ages of 24 and 60 months, attending child welfare clinics, were included in the study on consecutive basis. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio-demographic characteristics and feeding practices. RESULTS: There were 208 boys and 202 girls in the study population. Of them, 255 (62.2%) were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months. Younger children had a statistically significant, higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding compared to older children. Three hundred and fifty one (85.6%) children had received infant formula, and it was started before the age of 6 months in 61 children, and in 212 before one year. Sugar was added to infant formula in 330 (80.4%) children, and out of them 144 had sugar added within first year of life. Complementary foods were started before 4 months in 29 (7%) children. Of the 410 children, 294 (71.7%) were breastfed beyond 2 years and 41.6% of them were breastfed at regular intervals throughout the day. Three hundred and thirty eight (82.6%) children were receiving overnight feeding of either breast milk or infant formula even after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Though a high rate of exclusive breastfeeding was observed in this study population, there are many other issues related to feeding during the early years of life that need immediate intervention. Too early introduction of complementary food, using infant formula without an indication, adding sugar to infant formula, too frequent breastfeeding and overnight feeding of older children are among them.
dc.publisherBioMed Centralen_US
dc.titleFeeding practices among children attending child welfare clinics in Ragama MOH area: a descriptive cross-sectional studyen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
dc.identifier.departmentPaediatricsen_US
dc.identifier.departmentPhysiologyen_US
dc.creator.corporateauthorBioMed Centralen_US
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