Assessment of complementary feeding practices among mothers with children aged 6-23 months in selected disaster vulnerable barangays of Rodriguez, Rizal

Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are critical determinants of child growth, development, and nutritional status, particularly in disaster-vulnerable communities where environmental disturbances may disrupt food security and caregiving practices. This study aimed to assess the complementary feeding practices of mothers with children aged 6–23 months residing in selected disaster-vulnerable barangays of Rodriguez, Rizal, and determine the relationship between selected socio-demographic characteristics and IYCF practices based on the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund nutrition indicators. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 385 mothers selected through snowball sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions, chi-square test of independence, and cramer's v. Results showed that most respondents were aged 28–32 years, had attained secondary education, belonged to low-income households, and lived in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Only 39.0% of children met the Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF), while 88.1% achieved Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). However, only 37.7% attained the Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). Significant associations were found between the number of children and both MMF and MAD, while mother's age was significantly associated with MDD. Type of disaster vulnerability was significantly associated with MMF, MDD, and MAD. Educational attainment and household income were not significantly associated with any of the feeding indicators. The findings suggest that household composition, maternal age, and disaster vulnerability influence complementary feeding practices. Strengthening nutrition education, family-centered interventions, and disaster-responsive nutrition programs may improve feeding outcomes among infants and young children in environmentally vulnerable communities.

Keywords: Complementary Feeding, Disaster Vulnerability, Child Nutrition.