RELIGIOUS DIFFERENTIALS IN INFANT AND YOUNG CHILDREN FEEDING PRACTICES IN SOME SELECTED STATES OF INDIA

In this paper, an attempt is made to examine the feeding practices of children by religious groups is carried out to know the differences in child mortality of children by religious groups. The Hindu-Muslim gap in neonatal mortality is quite significant. An attempt is made here to compare the breastfeeding and complimentary feeding pattern by religion. Initial breastfeeding and duration of breastfeeding is not significantly different among these religious groups. Moreover, antenatal care, delivery care and postnatal care is better among Hindus in comparison to Muslims (NFHS-3). Intake of micronutrients namely Vitamin A and iron rich food is better among Muslim children in comparison to Hindus. ARI and fever prevalence is found higher among Muslims whereas treatment of these two diseases is better among Hindus. However, management of diarrhea is better among Muslims. Intake of micronutrients and better management of diarrhea may be reducing the child mortality among Muslim in comparison to Hindus.