A comparative study of the weaning practices and growth pattern in 3–24 month old infants fed formula and food in Nitel Health Centers and PHC's of Mushin Local Government area of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

A cross sectional study of the infants seen in Nitel Health Centers and Primary Health Care Centers in Mushin Local Government Area of the Lagos Metropolis was carried out. Results on growth and nutrient intake in infants in the second half of infancy fed human milk, formulas or weaning foods have not been previously studied in this community. 297 infants aged 3 to 24 months were studied comparing their nutrient intake as it affects their growth. Their anthropometric measurements and distribution of the Z-scores of weight for age, height for age, and weight for height were assessed in relation to the NCHS reference population growth chart. Infants from the Nitel Health Centers had higher mean values for all the anthropometric variables (height, weight, mid upper arm circumference, head circumference and chest circumference). The mean values for the other variables were higher in this group except for Hb which was lower in infants of Nitel. In the overall population, 7.4% were found to be underweight (Z-score of weight for age <-2SD), 12.8% were stunted (Z-score height for age <-2SD) and 7.4% wasted (Z-score of weight for height <-2SD). There was strong association of nutrient intake with growth but no adverse effect. Early introduction of formula to the infants in Mushin revealed a mild degree of stunting. A proportion of infants were stunted in their 2nd year of life. The results of this study emphasize the need to deal with nutritional problems in the country. Mothers should be educated on the appropriate feeds for each stage in the growth of the infant and the appropriate time for introduction of such foods. More studies on the local foods are needed to broaden the menu list of available weaning feeds.