ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL DIETARY INTAKE WITH INFANT NUTRITION STATUS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between maternal dietary intake and infant nutrition status in District Mardan, Pakistan, a region facing significant maternal and child undernutrition. A quantitative, community-based study was conducted with 46 mothers of infants aged 3-11 months. Data on socio-demographics, maternal diet (via 24-hour recalls and a global dietary diversity questionnaire), and infant nutritional status (Weight-for-Length) were collected. The diverse maternal demographic profile included varied age groups (34.78% <20 years, 32.61% 21-30 and 30-40 years), anthropometric measurements (47.83% height <160 cm; 43.48% weight 55-65 kg; 43.48% normal BMI, 30.43% overweight/obese, 26.09% underweight), and socioeconomic statuses (39.13% lower). Maternal diets favored staples but lacked frequent intake of fruits, dairy, and animal proteins. While breastfeeding was common (54.35%) and supplementary feeding frequent (65.21% 3-6 times/day), a significant proportion of infants, both male (28.57%) and female (22.22%), were in the "-1 SD" weight category, with many in lower weight categories (-2 SD: male 21.43%, female 27.78%). No infants were overweight. These findings highlight the critical link between maternal health, feeding practices, and infant well-being, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.