Relationship between Feeding Pattern & Maternal Educational Status and Duration of Hospital Stay among under 5 Children with Diarrhea in a Rural Area of Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhea is responsible for the deaths of approximately 2.5 million people annually, with 60-70% of these fatalities occurring in children under the age of five.  Most of these deaths take place in developing countries, where diarrheal disease accounts for an estimated 25% of mortality among children under the age of five. Methods & Materials: The study investigated relationship between feeding pattern and maternal educational status and duration of hospital stay in children under 5 admitted to Kumudini Hospital's pediatric ward due to diarrhea from October 2023 to March 2024. Employing a cross-sectional design, convenience sampling selected participants, with parental consent obtained upon admission. Results: Mothers with primary education often used diverse or unconventional feeding practices (71.4%), while secondary-educated mothers preferred "Breast Milk and Complementary Feeding" (69.5%), reflecting balanced nutrition awareness. Those above HSC favored "Breast Milk and Infant Formula" (16.7%), with minimal participation from illiterate mothers. A Pearson correlation of 0.2 links higher maternal education to improved feeding practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that higher maternal education is linked to better feeding practices and shorter hospital stays, with educated mothers more likely to adopt balanced nutrition strategies.