Risk Factors and Implications of Early Introduction of Complementary Feeding in Infants: A Case-Control Study in Peshawar, Pakistan

Mir Shakir Jan, Niamatullah , Mir Amr Jan, Zia Din and Mir Rooh Jan

Background and Objectives: The timely introduction of complementary feeding (CF) is crucial for infant health and development. Present study, conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, aimed to identify risk factors associated with early CF initiation and its impact on infant health. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted from July to October 2022 at Hayatabad Medical Complex vaccination center. A total of 800 mothers with infants of aged 6-12 months participated in this study. Participants were divided into early and timely introduction of CF groups, early CF was defined as the introduction of all liquid and solid foods, except breastfeeding and formula milk, before 6 months of age. Results: The study found that low maternal education, limited household income, young maternal age, and insufficient Antenatal care (ANC) visits were significant risk factors for early CF initiation. Infant behaviors such as excessive crying and frequent hunger episodes, along with maternal beliefs about the appropriate age of CF and paternal drug addiction, were also associated with early CF (p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the early introduction of CF had a considerable negative impact (r = - 0.408) on infant nutritional status. Conclusion: These findings emphasized that CF practices in Peshawar must be improved through targeted public health interventions. Such interventions can improve infant health outcomes in the region.

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