Influence of Complementary Feeding Practices on Nutritional Status of Children Between 6 to 24 Months in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite complementary feeding practices among mothers with children aged 6 – 24 months, death and disease infection rates are still escalating regardless of the nutritional status of children within that age gap. Complementary feeding practices plays a key role in providing the much-needed nutrients as it enhances successive development and general wellbeing of children, 6-24 months. A few research studies have been conducted in Kisumu County, more specifically, Kisumu County Referral Hospital on complementary feeding practices and nutritional status among children aged 6-24 months which is part of the critical window in the life of a child. The study assumed that most mothers with children between the age of 6-24 months within the Sub County attended Kisumu County Referral Hospital which was the area of study. The current study sought to establish the influence of complementary feeding practices and the nutritional status of children 6-24 months A sample selection of 79 participants was done through purposive sampling. Data was harvested through questionnaires. The study instruments were piloted and adjusted using participants who were not part of the sample. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics; mean and percentages. The study reveals that there are poor complementary feeding practices among mothers due to harmful cultural beliefs and low social-economic status. The study also report that malnourished children were 55% male and 45% female respectively. The study recommends that health aid programs should be more focused on homes with low economic background, counseling and sensitization to improve the mother’s knowledge on complementary feeding practices and nutritional status.