Age at First Solid Food Introduction and Its Association with Nutritional Status in Children: Evidence from Umerkot, Pakistan
Child's First Solid Food Age and Nutritional Status
Keywords:
Malnutrition, Solid food introduction, Dietary diversity, Pediatrics, Pakistan, Nutritional statusAbstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Malnutrition is a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality worldwide. While early life feeding practices, including timing of solid food introduction, are crucial determinants of nutritional status, evidence from rural Pakistan is limited.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 298 children aged 6–60 months admitted at District Headquarter Hospital, Umerkot. Data on age at first solid food introduction, dietary diversity, and anthropometry (MUAC) were collected. Nutritional status was assessed as per WHO criteria. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, logistic regression, and multivariate models to explore associations, adjusting for confounders like maternal education and rural residence.
Results
Mean age at first solid food introduction was 7.2 ± 2.1 months. Children introduced to solids before 6 months had higher odds of acute malnutrition (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4–4.6, p<0.01). Delayed introduction (>8 months) was also associated with increased undernutrition risk (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.2). Appropriate timing (6–8 months) was linked to better nutritional outcomes. Early or delayed introduction also correlated with lower dietary diversity and higher micronutrient deficiencies.
Conclusions
Both early and late introduction of solid foods are significantly associated with malnutrition in hospitalized children. Education on timely complementary feeding and dietary diversity could mitigate these risks.
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