Studying Nutrition Status and Feeding of Children Aged 6-23 Months in Bayanzurkh district

Abstract

Background: The period from birth to the age of two is considered to be a window period for sustainable development in terms of health, behavior and growth. The World Health Organization recommends that children aged 6-23 months eat at least 4 groups of 7 type foods. According to the 2017 Social Indicators Survey, 0.7% are underweight, 6.1% are underdeveloped, 1.3% are underweight, and 11.7% are overweight. The lack of food in our country and the lack of manuals for parents are the basis for this study to assess feeding and nutritional status. Aim: To study the nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months in relation to child growth and some diseases. Aim: To study the nutritional status in relation to the needs of the age, to evaluate the child’s physical growth, to identify anemia, rickets, and acute malnutrition in relation to the diet. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using the instantaneous method of analytical research involving children aged 6-23 months in 9th, 10th, 25th and 26th khoroo of Bayanzurkh district. Questionnaires were taken from the caregivers of the study participants using a 24-hour recall questionnaire and physical measurements were taken during the physical examination. The level of proper nutrition was studied by comparing nutritional status, such as obesity, underweight, growth retardation, and some eating disorders, with age groups. Results: 38 children aged 6-8 months, 43 children aged 9-11 months and 39 children aged 12-23 months were included, respectively. The frequency of daily meals was on average 3±1, or the age-appropriate frequency of meals. 38% of children consumed more than 4 groups of food per day. Of the total children, 13.5% were overweight, 8.57% were obese, 1.5% were underweight, and 2.4% were growth retardation, respectively. The most used food group by grain and roots. There is a statistically significant correlation (p=0.006) between children who eat less than 4 food items per day. (n=12) 8.57% with rickets and 13.57% with anemia and 7.8% with acute malnutrition. Conclusion: Although the frequency of feedings among children aged 6-23 months is age-appropriate or higher, less than 4 group of food consumed per day. The risk of obesity is high due to the high frequency of meals, and eating less than 4 groups of foods is associated with a risk of underweight.