Unhealthy feeding practices in early childhood: prevalence and associated factors in Bangladesh

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BACKGROUND: Feeding practices during early childhood are critical to health and development. In low- and middle-income countries, many young children are exposed to sweetened beverages and processed foods, which may contribute to poor dietary quality. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of unhealthy feeding practices (UFPs) among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months. METHODS: Data were derived from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis included 2608 children aged 6-23 months living with their mothers. Three infant and young child feeding indicators were considered: consumption of sweetened beverages, unhealthy foods and zero fruit or vegetable intake.Children having none of these three UFPs were considered as 'no UFP'; those who have at least one UFP are classified as '1 UFP' and subsequently having two is '2 UFP' and three is '3 UFP'. RESULTS: Among the 2608 children, 1239 (47.51%) reported having at least one UFP. In adjusted ordered logistic regression, older child age was associated with higher odds of having a higher UPF score. Maternal mass media exposure was also associated with increased UFP score (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.31; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.55). High women's empowerment was associated with lower odds of being in a higher UFP category (aOR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.95) compared with low empowerment. CONCLUSION: UFPs were common among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months. Higher child age and maternal media exposure were associated with higher UFP scores, while women's empowerment was associated with lower odds of higher UFP scores. These findings support integrating age-appropriate complementary feeding counselling, supporting women's decision-making and promoting marketing of healthy foods.

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