# Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and their contribution to improving complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in India: insights from a nationally representative survey

## TL;DR

This study examines how India's ICDS program affects complementary feeding practices in children aged 6–23 months using national survey data.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the limited impact of ICDS on key complementary feeding indicators in India.

## Key findings

- ICDS beneficiaries had a 19% higher probability of consuming a diverse diet.
- ICDS utilization was associated with a 27% higher probability of consuming egg and flesh foods.
- ICDS beneficiaries had a 14% lower probability of achieving recommended meal frequency.

## Abstract

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is India’s flagship programme to improve the nutritional and health status of children. Appropriate complementary feeding is essential for young children age 6 and 23 months to meet additional nutrient needs. However, there are limited evidence on how ICDS utilization affects complementary feeding practices in India.

This study used a sample of 59,115 children age 6–23 months from the National Family Health Survey 2019-21. Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the utilization of ICDS services and complementary feeding practices, estimating the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR).

Children age 6–23 months receiving ICDS services had a 19% high probability of consuming diverse diet (95% CI 1.13–1.25, p < 0.001), a 27% high probability of consuming egg and flesh foods (95% CI 1.20–1.34, p < 0.001), and a 3% higher probability of consuming vegetables and fruits (95% CI 1.00–1.06, p < 0.05). However, ICDS utilization is not significantly associated with the timely introduction of semi-solid foods (6–8 months) and the minimum acceptable diet (6–23 months). The probability of achieving recommended meal frequency is significantly 14% lower (95% CI 0.83–0.90, p < 0.001) among ICDS beneficiaries.

Despite the programme expansion, ICDS have limited influence on improving complementary feeding practices in India. Targeted efforts to improve service delivery to young children by Integrated Child Development Services could potentially support better complementary feeding practices.