1Krishna College of Physiotherapy, KVV, 415539, Agashivnagar, Malkapur, Maharashtra, India. Email: mullaarju9@gmail.com
2*Assistant Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad. Email: shraddha95mohite@gmail.com
Background: The first two years of a child's life are a time of rapid growth and transformation, where nutrition plays a vital role in shaping their future. During this critical window, a well-balanced diet supports brain development, builds a strong immune system, and lays the foundation for lifelong health. Yet, for many families living in poverty, access to nutritious food and trustworthy information remains out of reach. Without proper guidance, parents—particularly mothers—may unknowingly adopt feeding practices that contribute to malnutrition, stunted growth, and developmental delays. Bridging this gap through education and awareness is essential. Empowering caregivers with the knowledge of what, when, and how to feed their children can make a profound difference. By supporting mothers in making informed, affordable food choices, we take an important step toward securing a healthier, more promising future for children in vulnerable communities.
Objective: 1) To find out awareness about the impact of food and nutrition in the growth and development of infants in low socioeconomic families. 2) To examine awareness about the impact of food and nutrition in the growth and development of infants in low socioeconomic families.
Methods: This was a survey-based observational study conducted over a period of three months in Karad, focusing on primigravida mothers with children aged up to 2 years. A total of 87 participants were selected using simple random sampling. The study aimed to assess maternal awareness regarding nutrition and its impact on early childhood development in low socioeconomic settings.
Results: This study showed that most mothers are giving enough breast milk to their babies in the early months. However, after six months, when solid food should be introduced, many children are not receiving the correct amount or type of food. This is especially seen around 8 months of age. So, there is a need to guide families on how and when to start healthy, solid foods along with milk for their baby's proper growth.
Conclusion: This study found that while breastfeeding awareness is good among low socioeconomic families in Karad, knowledge about proper complementary feeding is lacking. Many children are not receiving the right types or amounts of solid foods after six months, which can affect their growth and development. There is a clear need for better nutrition education and support in these communities.
Keywords: Infant Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Growth and Development, Low Socioeconomic Status, Ration Card, Rural Families, Feeding Practices, Nutrition Awareness, Postnatal Care.
How to cite this article: Mulla AF, Mohite S. Awareness About the Impact of Food and Nutrition in the Growth and Development of Infants in Low Socioeconomic Families. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 523-528. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.62
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None