Abstract
BackgroundFollowing the successful implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) strategy in Tanzania, improvements in child health indicators were observed. However, it remains unclear whether complementary feeding practices have improved given the renewed global agenda on child nutrition. This study investigated trends and socioeconomic and health service factors of complementary feeding practices in Tanzania for the period spanning from 2004 to2016.MethodsThe study was based on the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey data for the years 2004–2005 (n = 2480), 2010 (n = 2275) and 2015–2016 (n = 2949) to estimate the trends in complementary feeding practices. Multivariate logistic regression models that adjusted for year of the survey, clustering and sampling weights were used to investigate the association between the modifiable study factors (socioeconomic and health service factors) and complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in Tanzania.ResultsOver the study period, minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) have worsened from 46% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 41.5–50.7%) in 2004–2005 to 30% (95% CI 25.7–32.9%) in 2015–2016 and 16.9% (95% CI 14.9–18.9%) in 2004–2005 to 6.0% (95% CI 4.9–7.1%) in 2015–2016, respectively. Minimum meal frequency (MMF) remained unchanged, 37% in 2004–2005 and 2015–2016. The introduction of solid, semi-solid and soft foods improved from 79% (95% CI 74.5–83.9%) in 2004–2005 to 87% (95% CI 83.7–90.9%) in 2015–2016. Multivariate analyses revealed that higher maternal education and household wealth, mother’s employment, health facility birthing and postnatal care (PNC) visit were associated with MDD, MAD and MMF. Traditional birth attendant-assisted births and PNC visits were associated with the introduction of complementary foods. In contrast, birthing in the health facility was associated with the delayed introduction of complementary foods.ConclusionBetween 2004 and 2016, the prevalence and determinants of complementary feeding practices varied in Tanzania. Improving complementary feeding practices is feasible in Tanzania given the renewed focus on child nutrition in the country. Child nutrition policy interventions should target all mothers, particularly mothers from low socioeconomic background and those with limited access to health services to maximise results.
Highlights
Following the successful implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) strategy in Tanzania, improvements in child health indicators were observed
In Tanzania, complementary feeding practices are suboptimal as they do not meet the four World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended complementary feeding indicators [12]. This is despite the adoption of the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) [12] and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) strategies to improve child survival [13]
Our findings suggest that Tanzania may improve complementary feeding practices if the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-4 agenda is achieved, and has the potential to increase the broader child health measures
Summary
Following the successful implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) strategy in Tanzania, improvements in child health indicators were observed. In Tanzania, complementary feeding practices are suboptimal as they do not meet the four WHO-recommended complementary feeding indicators (introduction of solid, semi-solid and soft foods; minimum dietary diversity; minimum meal frequency; and minimum acceptable diet) [12]. This is despite the adoption of the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) [12] and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) strategies to improve child survival [13]. This information is required to identify issues relating to complementary feeding practices and to inform the effectiveness of current IYCF interventions
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