Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and child undernutrition in Bangladesh: Insights from nationally representative data

Data from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) were used to examine associations between World Health Organization (WHO) indicators of IYCF practices and anthropometry among 2096 children 0–23 mo of age. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for the complex survey design of the BDHS were employed. All models controlled for child, maternal, and household characteristics, and included regional dummy variables to account for unobservable regional effects. Linear regression results show that exclusive breastfeeding under 6 mo of age (EBF) was associated with higher weight‐for‐height z‐score (WHZ) (effect size (ES) 0.29; p<0.05). Appropriate complementary feeding (CF) in children 6–8 mo was associated with higher HAZ (ES 0.63; p<0.01) and higher weight‐for‐age z‐score (WAZ) (ES: 0.30; p<0.05). Higher dietary diversity index (DDI) was associated with higher HAZ (ES: 0.08; p<0.01 for every 1 point higher DDI) and higher WAZ (ES 0.04; p<0.05). Children who achieved minimum diet diversity had higher HAZ (ES: 0.195; p<0.05). Logistic regression models confirmed that EBF was protective against wasting and DDI was protective of stunting and underweight. Our results reinforce the need to include interventions to address the spectrum of IYCF practices, from EBF to age‐appropriate CF, especially diet diversity, in efforts to improve nutrition of infants and young children.