Abstract:

Background: Proper feeding with supplement is a vital means for compensating health deficits and enhancing the nutritional status of children. However, documentation about child-feeding practices and the nutritional status among ethnic communities like the Chepang is limited.

Objective: The present study therefore aims at exploring the feeding practices and nutritional status of Chepang children in two municipalities of the Dhading district of Nepal.

Method and material: The study was cross-sectional in nature. It approached mothers of children aged 6-24 months. A quantitative study was conducted between February and March 2018. Height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of the children were measured and analyzed according to WHO cut-offs.

Results: A total of 347 mothers (238 from Benighat Rorang and 109 from Gajuri Rural Municipalilty) participated in the study. It was found that 26.8% children were underweight, 66% were stunted and 6.6% were suffering from wasting. There was no significant association between exclusive breast-feeding and nutritional status, dietary diversity, malnourishment, minimum meal frequency and health-related status.

Conclusion: It was observed that parents of Chepang children were aware of the benefits of exclusive breast feeding, dietary diversity and meal frequency, but there was no difference in their exclusive breast feeding practices with nutritional food items for the children. So further study is needed to explore other factors to promote healthy growth and development of the children.

Keywords: Chepang, nutrition, stunting, underweight, wasting.

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