The role of breastfeeding practices in nutritional outcomes among infants and children, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Child undernutrition and anaemia remain major public health concerns in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh. The present study assesses trends in optimal breastfeeding indicators and nutritional outcomes among children in Uttar Pradesh by using the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data. However, it utilised data from the latest round of NFHS to assess the relationship between optimal breastfeeding practices. Bivariate analysis, chi-square tests, and multiple regression models were applied to estimate associations and adjusted odds ratios. Results show that exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with higher odds of stunting (AOR: 1.16) and underweight (AOR: 1.14), but not with wasting. Similarly, the minimum acceptable diet showed no statistically significant association with nutritional outcomes. Adjusted analyses yielded significant odds ratios across all models, with consistent evidence of protective or adverse associations. In the EBF model, the odds of wasting (AOR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.90–1.20) were not statistically significant. Similar non-significant patterns were observed across all outcomes in the MAD model, including anaemia. These results suggest that while breastfeeding practices are important, they alone may not substantially influence nutritional outcomes. Broader socioeconomic, maternal, and child care determinants appear to play a more critical role. The study highlights the need for integrated interventions addressing structural factors, alongside promoting optimal feeding practices, to effectively reduce undernutrition and anaemia in young children.