Abstract
Nutritionally adequate and safe complementary feeding starting from the age of 6 months up to 59 months is one of the effective intervention to reduce infant and child morbidity and malnutrition. This study aims to determine the nutritional status of children ages 6-59 months and their caregiver’s infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices of the Buhid community in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro. The design used in this study was a descriptive cross-sectional carried out between December 2016-February 2017. A survey questionnaire was utilized as an instrument in this study. It includes an anthropometric survey of 6-59 months old and infant and young child feeding practices using WHO and UNICEF IYCF indicators. Vaccination, vitamin A supplementation and deworming coverage were also measured. Findings revealed a prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM) at a critical level. There is a low but significant prevalence of stunting and underweight among children. There is a good infant and young feeding practice in the community except for the minimum acceptable diet during complementary feeding. Lastly, there is low BCG and measles vaccination coverage in the community that could be a threat to the impending disease outbreak.
Highlights
WHO and UNICEF adopted the global strategy for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) in 2002 to refocus attention on the impact of feeding practices on nutritional status, growth and development, health and survival [1]
This study aims to determine the nutritional status of children ages 6-59 months and their caregiver’s infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices of the Buhid community in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro
Global acute malnutrition is critically prevalent in Buhid community of Sitio Bato Singit
Summary
WHO and UNICEF adopted the global strategy for IYCF in 2002 to refocus attention on the impact of feeding practices on nutritional status, growth and development, health and survival [1]. When there is a lack or excess intake of one or more nutrients and/or faulty utilization of nutrients in our body, it leads to the state of imbalance in the body. The percentage of children with a low height for age or stunting reflects the cumulative effects of undernutrition and infections since and even before birth. This measure can, be interpreted as an indication of poor environmental conditions or long-term restriction of a child's growth potential. The percentage of children who have low weight for age or underweight can reflect wasting (i.e. low weight for height), indicating acute weight loss, stunting, or both [6]
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have