Influence of maternal socio-demographic characteristics on hygiene practices and child feeding behaviors among pregnant and lactating women in a humanitarian setting

Background: Hygiene and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are critical determinants of maternal and child health, especially in humanitarian settings. The FDMN makeshift settlements in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, are home to a large population of pregnant and lactating women (PLWs) who face heightened risks due to poor living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and food insecurity. Objective: This study aimed to assess hygiene behaviors and IYCF practices among PLWs in the Kutupalong makeshift settlements and examine the associations of these practices with key socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 PLWs aged 18–35 years, selected using systematic random sampling from four randomly chosen camps. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire between March and April 2023. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS version 26 to assess associations between socio-demographic variables and key outcomes. Results: Among the respondents, 75.08% of mothers provided colostrum to their newborns, and 91.08% practiced handwashing after defecation. However, only 39.73% initiated complementary feeding at the recommended six months, and just 40.48% of children consumed at least five food groups in the last 24 hours. Handwashing before food preparation was reported by 54.83%. Significant associations were found between maternal age, education, and family structure with both hygiene and IYCF practices (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the influence of maternal socio-demographic factors on health behaviors and underscores the need for targeted education and behavior change interventions. Improving hygiene infrastructure and IYCF counseling can significantly contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes in humanitarian contexts like the Rohingya makeshift settlements.