Development of a Microsoft Excel Calculator for Infant and Young Child Feeding Indicators

Abstract The accurate assessment of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices is critical for evaluating nutritional status and guiding public health interventions. The study was planned to develop and validate a Microsoft Excel-based IYCF calculator based on the World Health Organization (WHO)-United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 2021 IYCF indicators for its accuracy, consistency, and user-friendliness. The tool incorporated calculations of all 16 essential indicators. Logical and conditional functions were used to automate calculations. Validations were done using simulated and real databases from urban slums. The IYCF Excel Calculator was developed using Microsoft Excel on Windows 11 and compatible with Excel 2016 or later. The tool accurately calculated IYCF indicators and was user-friendly for individuals with basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel. It reduced the time and complexity of calculations. The developed Excel-based IYCF calculator is an accurate, accessible, and freely available tool for researchers and practitioners for academic and non-commercial use.