Abstract
Sub-optimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months is a major cause of under-nutrition in developing countries. This study was designed to assess the complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children 6-23 months attending an immunization clinic at Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A total of 320 children were selected using a two-stage sampling technique. WHO/PAHO/UNICEF recommendations and WHO Child Growth Standard charts were used to categorize their complementary feeding and anthropometric indices, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Complementary feeding indicators such as timely complementary feed introduction (54.1%) and minimum dietary diversity (68.7%) were met by more than half of the respondents. But overall, complementary feeding practices were considerably poor. Low minimum meal frequency, minimum adequate diet and continued breastfeeding at one year were reported. Wasting, stunting and underweight prevalences were 12.5%, 11.3% and 8.3% respectively. Children who continued breastfeeding at one year (AOR = 0.34; CI= 0.15-0.76) or met minimum dietary diversity criteria (AOR = 0.43; CI= 0.17-1.05) were less likely to be stunted. Increased attention towards breastfeeding continuation and dietary diversity improvement using locally available/affordable food stuffs is needed.
Highlights
Adequate nutrition during infancy and childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health and development of children to their full potential (WHO, 2009)
In a typical developing nation, they are often characterized by poor feeding practices and poor dietary quality of homemade complementary foods (Dewey and Adu-Afarwuah, 2008; Krebs et al, 2011; Plessis et al, 2013)
Another concern is that the early introduction of complementary goods before the age of six months can lead to displacement of breast milk and increased risk of infections such as diarrhea which further contributes to weight loss and malnutrition (Aggarwal et al, 2008)
Summary
Adequate nutrition during infancy and childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health and development of children to their full potential (WHO, 2009). In a typical developing nation, they are often characterized by poor feeding practices and poor dietary quality of homemade complementary foods (Dewey and Adu-Afarwuah, 2008; Krebs et al, 2011; Plessis et al, 2013). Another concern is that the early introduction of complementary goods before the age of six months can lead to displacement of breast milk and increased risk of infections such as diarrhea which further contributes to weight loss and malnutrition (Aggarwal et al, 2008). In Nigeria, this is confirmed by reports from Federal Ministry of Health (2005) which revealed that over 50% infants are given complementary foods before six months and these foods are often of poor nutritional value
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