Abstract
BackgroundComplementary feeding is critical for optimal nutrition in infants and young children as it ensures their growth, health and development to attain their full potential. However, evidence shows that children from developing countries do not meet the core indicators for appropriate complementary feeding. We evaluated mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding child feeding recommendations and the determinants of adequate diet among children aged 6–23 months.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 200 children aged 6–23 months and their mothers/care givers recruited during child welfare clinics of two health facilities in Ghana. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess determinants of adequate diet.ResultsSixty-eight percent of the mothers knew the recommended duration of continued breastfeeding, 56.5% how to ensure dietary diversity and enrich their children’s diets and 94% (n = 188) had positive attitude towards recommended infant and young child feeding practices. Majority of the mothers (92%, n = 183) practiced continued breastfeeding, 10.5% of the children met minimum diet diversity score, 39.5% minimum meal frequency and 8.5% received minimum adequate diet. Determinants of receipt of minimum adequate diet were: having high knowledge in child feeding recommendations (100% vs. 0.0, p < 0.001) and child’s father reportedly earning adequate income to cater for the family (AOR = 12.1 (1.32–109.72, p = 0.027).ConclusionMotherss knowledge levels regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations had notable deficiencies although they generally had a positive attitude towards child feeding recommendations. Knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations as well as the child’s father having adequate income were important determinants of adequate diet. Nutrition education should emphasize on improving mothers’ nutrition knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations and supporting mothers to overcome barriers to feed their children with adequate diets.
Highlights
Complementary feeding is critical for optimal nutrition in infants and young children as it ensures their growth, health and development to attain their full potential
The current study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of mothers regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations, complementary feeding practices and the determinants of adequate diet among children aged 6–23 months in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region of Ghana. Design and participants This cross-sectional study was conducted during the Child Welfare Clinics (CWCs) of the Kpandai District and the Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG) Hospitals in Kpandai
We found in this study that about half of the mothers had adequate knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding practices, two notable knowledge deficits were identified
Summary
Complementary feeding is critical for optimal nutrition in infants and young children as it ensures their growth, health and development to attain their full potential. According to the WHO there are eight core indicators that can be used to assess and guide the feeding practices of young children including 1) early initiation of breastfeeding; (2) exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months; (3) continued breastfeeding for 1 year; (4) the introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods; (5) minimum dietary diversity; (6) minimum meal frequency; (7) minimum acceptable diet; and (8) consumption of iron rich or iron fortified foods [5, 6]. Among a sample of 778 children aged 6–23 months from Northern Ghana, Saaka et al [7] found 57.3% of the children meeting the minimum meal frequency, 35.3% minimum dietary diversity score and 25% had minimum acceptable diet. A community-based cross-sectional study among a sample of 506 children from North West Ethiopia found 63% of the children receiving minimum meal frequency, 9.8% for minimum diet diversity and only 8.6% received the minimum acceptable diet [13]
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