Knowledge and practices regarding infant and young child feeding among mothers working in readymade garments sector in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction Optimum is. Adequate Infant and young child feeding (IYCF), critical for child’s growth and development, requires a significant amount of time and can be challenging for working mothers. In Bangladesh, about four million women work long-hours in Readymade Garment (RMG) factories without proper maternity benefits which raises concern regarding optimum IYCF practice. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Dhaka, Bangladesh to identify the knowledge and common practices of IYCF among mothers working in Readymade Garment sector. Methods Ninety-three women of reproductive age (15-49 years), working in Readymade Garment sector, with children aged 6-23 months, were interviewed. Results Our study revealed- majority knew about exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) (76%), duration to continue breastfeeding (73%) and early initiation of breastfeeding (53%). The exclusive breast-feeding practice in mothers employed in RMG sector was 44%. Three-fourths of the mothers knew and initiated complementary feeding timely. Both knowledge regarding age-adjusted minimum meal frequency (MMF) (19.4%) and minimum quantity (8.6%) were low; compared to actual practices. Nearly two-fifth of the mothers (40%) had to start working before their child reached six months of age enabling them to provide their baby with breastmilk substitutes. Discussion Mothers employed in Readymade Garment sector had better IYCF practice than general population. Proper workplace environment with mandatory breast-feeding corners, daycare facilities and ensuring maternity benefits in these mothers could help achieve an even better IYCF practices for their children. © 2021 The Author(s).