Abstract
Malnutrition is a persistent and complex global health issue that affects millions of children. While existing studies have explored various factors related to child nutrition, limited research has comprehensively investigated the multifaceted relationships between infant, neonatal, and current feeding practices, and children's nutritional status within the specific context of a rural community. This research aims to determine the association and relationships between the feeding practices of children in San Placido, Roxas, Isabela with their nutritional status. Employing a community-based case study design which combines both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach utilizes descriptive-correlational methods to assess neonatal, infant, and current feeding practices, as well as their relationship with children's nutritional status. While the qualitative aspect delves into the government’s efforts to combat malnutrition. Key findings reveal that the timing of introducing complementary foods to infants exhibits a significant correlation with children's nutritional status on Weight-for-Age Z-Score, Height-for-Age Z-Score, and Weight-for-Height Z-Score. Furthermore, current feeding practices, although significant in Weight-for-Age Z-Score in emotion regulation and Height-for-Age Z-Score in pressure and modeling, they do not significantly affect Weight-for-Height Z-Score. Moreover, the study shows no association between neonatal feeding practices and children's nutritional status except for Weight-for-Age Z-Score in feeding practices and the delivery of colostrum in the first three days. As part of the government's efforts to combat malnutrition, school feeding emerges as a recognized nutrition intervention within the San Placido community. The multifaceted relationship between feeding practices in the context of child nutrition serves as a foundation for future research, policy initiatives, and potential interventions, aiming for effective and sustainable improvements in child health and well-being.
