Abstract
Background: The role of fathers in infant and young child feeding has not been explored in Zimbabwe. To date, local research studies on the role of parents in infant and young child feeding have focused more on the mothers than the fathers, and more on breastfeeding than complementary feeding practices, which begin from 6 months of age.
 Purpose of study: To explore the knowledge and extent of involvement of fathers in the complementary feeding of children 6 to 23 months in Zimbabwe.
 Method: Through a qualitative approach, 10 fathers with children aged 6 to 23 months participated in the study. Local key informants were used to validate information given by fathers. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes.
 Results: There has been a notable change in behaviour among the fathers in comparison to what they did 10 years ago. For example, they support their wives with household activities such as playing with the child, fetching water and firewood in bulk and cooking simple meals for their children, though the latter was generally reported as being done only during the mothers’ absence. Some of the fathers however, are still mindful of what the predominant culture defines as a father’s role in child feeding and thus only do selective activities.
 Major conclusion: This qualitative study, a first of its kind, delved into some of the experiences and perceptions of fathers in the complementary feeding of infants 6 to 23 months in Zimbabwe. Rich exploratory insights into the subject matter have been provided and can thus be expanded upon in future research.
Highlights
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices that are optimal greatly contribute to child health and nutrition (Mukuria et al, 2016). UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (2016) go on to mention that IYCF practices are a major determinant of child nutritional status outcomes
As far as we know, this is the first study in Zimbabwe to explore the understanding, experiences and perceptions of the role that fathers can play in the complementary feeding period of children aged 6 to 23 months
The study found that the 10 fathers interviewed did support their wives with household activities such as playing with the child, fetching water and firewood in bulk and cooking simple meals for their children, though the latter was generally reported as being done during the mothers’ absence
Summary
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices that are optimal greatly contribute to child health and nutrition (Mukuria et al, 2016). UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (2016) go on to mention that IYCF practices are a major determinant of child nutritional status outcomes. A recommended child feeding practice, complementary feeding starts from six months and continues until the child is ready to eat family foods. It is from six months when breast-milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of an infant, the introduction of other foods becomes necessary (WHO, 2018). The role of fathers in infant and young child feeding has not been explored in Zimbabwe. Local research studies on the role of parents in infant and young child feeding have focused more on the mothers than the fathers, and more on breastfeeding than complementary feeding practices, which begin from 6 months of age.
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