Infant and young child feeding in rural Bangladesh: insights into knowledge, practices, and associated factors

Abstract

Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are essential for ensuring child growth, development, and survival. However, comprehensive evidence on IYCF knowledge, practices, and their determinants among rural mothers in Bangladesh remains limited. This study aimed to assess IYCF knowledge and practices and to identify the factors associated with these outcomes among rural mothers in Bangladesh. This study utilised data from the third round of the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS), focusing on rural mothers aged 15–49 years with children aged 0–23 months. A total of 873 samples were included in the study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were utilised to investigate the prevalence and determinants of IYCF knowledge and practices. Findings revealed that only 30.3% of mothers had adequate IYCF knowledge, and an equal proportion adhered to overall IYCF practices. Multivariate regression analysis showed that maternal education, geographic region, and household wealth quintile were significant predictors of IYCF knowledge. Breastfeeding practices were associated with the child’s age, place of delivery, geographic region, household wealth, and maternal IYCF knowledge. Complementary feeding practices were mainly influenced by the child’s age, sex, and household wealth quintile. Overall adherence to recommended IYCF practices was significantly associated with the child’s age and geographic region. This study reveals persistently low IYCF knowledge and overall IYCF practices among rural mothers in Bangladesh. Strengthening maternal education, promoting community-based nutrition counselling, expanding access to health services in underserved regions, and targeting low-income households with tailored support are essential to improve child feeding practices.