Feeding style and toddlers' dietary intake in two agro‐ecological zones of Ghana

Abstract

In sub‐Saharan Africa, childhood malnutrition can be attributed in part to sub‐optimal feeding practices. Study objectives were to (1) examine caregivers' feeding behaviors in two agro‐ecological zones of Ghana and (2) determine the association between caregiver feeding style and child dietary intake. Events during one meal for children 1–3 y of age were observed in households in the Forest‐Savanna Transitional (n=60) and Guinea Savanna zones (n=71). A multi‐item feeding behavior instrument was used to code caregivers' actions. All served foods and all food left on the child's plate were weighed. Anthropometric measures were taken. The prevalence of stunting among all children was 21%. There was a significant difference in the median energy intake of children who refused at least one mouthful (24%) versus children who did not refuse any mouthfuls (115 vs 214 kcal, respectively; p<0.05). Caregivers in the Transitional zone were more likely to remove the child's food following a refusal than caregivers in the Guinea Savanna (p< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in child median energy intake between zones (204 vs 173 kcal, respectively; p=0.27). Practical, hands‐on interventions are needed to help caregivers learn to respond effectively to food refusals by young children. Funded by Jim Ellis Mentorship Program and GL‐CRSP/USAID #PCE‐G‐00‐98‐00036‐00.Grant Funding Source: US‐AID