Feeding practices and child stunting during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Background. In the period of COVID-19 pandemic, number children suffering from stunting had escalated globally due to socio-economic challenges. This may worsen nutritional status and health under 5 years. Objective. study aimed explore parental feeding practices among aged 24-59 months who have stunted growth during pandemic. Materials Methods. Eleven semi-structured individual interviews were conducted involving primary caregivers in family. Interviews audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, analyzed thematically. Results. Three major themes identified: i) child-feeding pandemic; ii) style children; iii) parents’ efforts improve intake. finding shows that child is a complex interaction between parent-feeding child-eating behavior affect children. Conclusions. The pandemic been greatest challenge faced by many caregivers. accessibility food, economic condition, knowledge contributed this situation. Healthcare providers are expected strengthen nutrition education proper provide support for families