Factors of weaning practices by mothers on children : A hospital based study

Background: Early weaning practices are one of the most important causes of malnutrition of children which ultimately enhance infant morbidity and mortality in the worldwide including Bangladesh. Aims: To determine the causal factors of early weaning practices of children. Materials and methods: Data were collected from 200 mothers who attended with their children during March 2005 to May 2006 in the out patient department of pediatrics in Moulana Bhasani Medical College and Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka. Results: Majority (44.00%) patient was found in early weaning practice followed by late (33.00%) and normal (23.00%) weaning practice category. Nutritional status of patient, type of weaning food of patient and economic status of the patient's family were significant and positively related with the use of weaning practices but in education level of mother, negative and significant relationship was observed. Conclusion: Use of proper weaning practices among the mother was improper among the majority cases. For the betterment of children health, existing motivational and awareness programme need to be strengthened and widen by the relevant authorities.