Crystal Journal of Public Health & Epidemiology

Abstract
The study aimed to assess the feeding practices of under 2-year-old children of female garment workers in Ashulia, Bangladesh, and to identify the relationship between feeding patterns and the socio-economic condition of the workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 155 respondents using a pretested semi-structured data collection sheet. The study found that inappropriate feeding practices were prevalent, with only 16% of respondents exclusively breastfeeding their children, and 84% practicing pre-lacteal feeding. The most common pre-lacteal feeds were honey and sugar water. The study highlights the need for awareness among medical professionals to encourage appropriate feeding practices to reduce child morbidity and mortality.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 in selected garment factories in Ashulia, Bangladesh. A non-random convenience sampling method was used to select 155 respondents who had children under two years of age. Data were collected from the mothers/caregivers of the children using a pretested semi-structured data collection sheet. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, and appropriate statistical tests were conducted. Statistical significance was considered if the p-value was <0.05.

Results: The results of the study showed that most respondents (96%) fed their child colostrum, and 80% of mothers gave honey as pre-lacteal feeding. Only 16% of the respondents exclusively breastfed their children, while 84% of them fed their children pre-lacteal feeding. Among the children who received family food, only 10.87% were fed fish, meat, or egg.

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for appropriate feeding practices for children under two years of age, especially for those whose mothers work in the garment industry. The findings of the study can be used to develop awareness among medical professionals, policymakers, and the public to encourage appropriate feeding practices and reduce child mortality and morbidity.

Keywords
Female Garment Workers, Socioeconomic Conditions, Feeding Practices, Child Mortality, Breastfeeding