Feeding Practices among Infants and Young Children of Female Workers in Urban Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Study in Dhaka and Gazipur

Aims: This study aims to investigate the feeding practices of infants and young children among female workers in Dhaka and Gazipur cities, Bangladesh, exploring the prevalence and determinants of these practices considering socio-demographic factors and maternal occupations.

Study Design: The study employs a cross-sectional design to analyze the feeding practices of female workers.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in Dhaka and Gazipur cities, Bangladesh, over a specified period from July to October 2019.

Methodology: Data were collected from 378 working mothers, with 225 participants from Dhaka and 153 from Gazipur, using structured questionnaires. Information on maternal age, education, occupation, family income, health consultancy support, iron tablet consumption, delivery type, and caregivers' support were gathered. Feeding practices were assessed based on breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding duration, complementary feeding initiation, and adherence to recommended feeding guidelines.

Results: Significant disparities were found between Dhaka and Gazipur. In Dhaka, a higher percentage of mothers were aged 21-30 years (43.7%) compared to Gazipur (29.4%). Maternal education levels were generally higher in Dhaka, with secondary education attainment notably different (18.5% in Dhaka vs. 7.4% in Gazipur). RMG (Ready-Made Garments) employment was predominant in Dhaka (33.6%), while Gazipur had a diverse occupational profile with a higher proportion of small business owners (7.1%). Healthcare utilization varied, with more mothers consulting doctors in Dhaka (16.1%) compared to Gazipur (9%). Iron tablet consumption was higher in Dhaka (46.6%) than in Gazipur (29.6%). Delivery types differed significantly, with higher rates of normal delivery in Dhaka (47.6%) compared to Gazipur (35.2%). Knowledge regarding feeding practices was generally lower in Gazipur, with only 13.8% of mothers reporting awareness compared to 26.2% in Dhaka. Sources of knowledge also varied, with healthcare personnel being a more significant source in Dhaka.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant regional disparities in infant feeding practices among female workers in Dhaka and Gazipur. It underscores the need for tailored interventions to improve these practices, considering the socio-economic contexts of each region. Addressing these disparities is crucial for enhancing maternal and child health outcomes in urban settings like Dhaka and Gazipur, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the population.