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Weaning practices in peri-urban low socioeconomic groups.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the current weaning practices in infants (children under one year of age) in a low socioeconomic peri-urban area in Karachi.


DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.


PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY
'Well Baby Clinic" in Jinnah Medical College Hospital situated in Korangi Industrial area of Karachi from October 2003 to March 2004.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
One hundred and fifty infants were included in the study. Their feeding pattern and weaning practices were studied using a questionnaire. They were grouped in three categories according to their age of commencement of weaning.


RESULTS
Ninety (60%) infants were receiving semi-solids/solids (weaning foods) in addition to milk. The recommended age (between 4 to 6 months) was noted in 37 (25%) cases, while early weaning was present in 9 (6%) cases and delayed weaning in 44 (29 %) cases. Even if weaning was started at the correct age, several problems were noted. These included infrequent feeding, use of expensive commercial cereals given in diluted form as compared to home-made foods, and improper food preparation. The quality, type and choice of food was not ideal for adequate growth.


CONCLUSION
Incorrect weaning practices is an issue of public health in developing countries. The identification and analysis of weaning practices prevalent in low socioeconomic households can lead to remedial strategies for improving the nutrition status of infants and, thereby, help reduce infant and morbidity rate.