IMPROVING INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING PRACTICES USING LOCALLY‐CULTIVATED FOODS IN A FOOD‐INSECURE, RURAL REGION OF THE BOLIVIAN ANDES

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of an education intervention focused on improved complementary feeding practices using locally‐cultivated foods, in particular legumes, on infant and young child feeding practices. The study uses a pre‐post intervention design with the inclusion of a control group and samples from semi‐subsistence farming families with children 0–36 months of age in a rural region of the Bolivian Andes. A baseline survey of 322 households collected data on child anthropometry and diet, household food security and agricultural practices. Guided by these data, researchers promoted improved recipes and feeding practices using Trials of Improved Practices. Results indicate that deficits in child length begin between 3 and 5 months of age in this population, the same age range during which mothers report introducing complementary foods. Child diets are monotonous, tuber based, and lack sufficient energy. Qualitative interview data indicate that mothers face numerous barriers to behavior change, principally time constraints from their social role as animal caretakers. Comparative results from an upcoming endline survey testing intervention effects and pathways of changes in feeding practices during the one‐year intervention period will be presented.Supported by the McKnight Foundation, NIH Nutrition Training Grant, the Bradfield Research Award, the H.E. Babcock Professor Chair fund.Grant Funding Source: NIH Nutrition Training Grant