Complementary Feeding Practices Research Articles

The Culture of Complementary Feeding Practice Among Stunting in Toddlers Aged Under 24 Months

This systematic review examined the relationship between complementary feeding practices and the prevalence of stunting among children under 24 months. Drawing on a diverse range of studies, in the last 10 years (2013-2023) the review investigated the local cultural conditions, and complementary feeding practices factors influencing stunting. Methods involved synthesizing data from various contexts to identify patterns and associations between the culture, complementary feeding practices, and stunting prevalence. This study carried out a systematic review of journals using two academic databases (PubMed, and Google Scholar) with a publication range from 2013 to 2023. The journal-reviewed guidelines used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results revealed a significant relationship between the local cultural conditions, complementary feeding, and the impact of stunting on child development. This study found 10 studies exploring the relationship between the local cultural conditions, complementary feeding, and the prevalence of stunting among children under 24 months in the last 10 years. The review underscored the need for interventions targeting cultural determinants of stunting and complementary feeding. In conclusion, this systematic review of 10 journals explored the relationship between the local cultural conditions, complementary feeding practices, and the prevalence of stunting among children under two years old in the last 10 years offers. The study elucidated the multifaceted nature of stunting, influenced by cultural beliefs, and complementary feeding practices. The findings emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive interventions aimed at educating parents on proper complementary feeding practices to prevent stunting, particularly in communities where cultural beliefs shape complementary feeding habits. In addition, this observation underscored the importance of addressing contextual factors such as the mother's knowledge of complementary feeding, and the food diversity given, so that there are no food taboos whose nutrients the child's body needs for growth the time to start complementary feeding, and hygiene during complementary feeding processing. It is necessary to emphasize sensitive interventions in solving the stunting problem so that stunting can be resolved comprehensively.

Effectiveness of Nutrition Education as Intervention on Complementary Feeding Practices & Growth of Children in Rural Area

Background: The first 2years of a child's, feeding-pattern is an important determinant of childhood-malnutrition. Nutritional education on complementary feeding was provided, and the impact on Minimum-Meal-Diversity [MMD], Minimum-Meal-Frequency [MMF] & the children's growth, was evaluated & compared between the education-intervention group and the control group. Methodology: The study was conducted in 2villages of Vijayapura-district 5Anganwadi from each village was selected for study and compared. Primary-outcome: improvement in MMD, MMF Secondary-outcome: weight for age Z-score [WAZ], weight for age Z-score [HAZ] &mid-arm-circumference. Results: Overall education-intervention-group showed better weight-gain than control-arm significant-difference was observed in WAZi.e1.36 v/s1 (p<0.0017*) & HAZ-3.82 v/s -4 (p<0.00078*) respectively. In Intervention-arm mothers following MMF significantly increased &was statistically significant. There was a significant rise in the percentage of mothers in the intervention group who adopted MMD for their children. (p<0.0001*). Gender differences in mean WAZ scores &HAZ were observed in both groups persistently throughout the study period & were statistically significant. Conclusion: Program interventions need to understand the local practices &needs of mothers & tailor interventions and nutritional education to improve child feeding practices including hygienic practices with regular follow-ups, is vital to prevent the vicious cycle of malnutrition.

Complementary Feeding Practices and Weaning Practices in Morocco: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Complementary feeding represents a crucial phase in an infant's developmental journey. Inadequate implementation, marked by an imbalance in both quantity and quality, can lead to varying degrees of nutritional disorders, whether from excess or deficiency. Study Objectives and Methods: Conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, this research aims to assess the weaning age and the age of initiating dietary diversification among Moroccan infants. Additionally, it seeks to scrutinize specific nutritional practices and behaviors within the Moroccan infant population. Our methodology involved an extensive bibliographic search using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on research conducted in Morocco from 2005 to 2020. Variables examined include the prevalence of breastfeeding at six months, the age of weaning, the commencement of dietary diversification at six months, and the prevalence of advice from healthcare professionals, particularly nursing experts, provided to Moroccan mothers. Results and Discussion: Complementary feeding practices in Morocco navigate the intersection of maternal nutritional beliefs and a plethora of infant feeding concepts, resulting in a complex landscape. The crucial role of medical and nursing personnel in conveying appropriate information and advice to Moroccan mothers is highlighted. Conclusion: Complementary feeding is a pivotal milestone in infant nutrition, necessitating adjustments and updates in Moroccan practices. The active involvement of medical and nursing personnel is essential to ensure optimal weight development and prevent infant nutritional disorders. Impact and Contribution of Patient or Public: Emphasizing the importance of the results in positively influencing infant feeding practices in Morocco, with a focus on the crucial role played by medical and nursing personnel in promoting infant health.

Complementary feeding practices of caregivers of infants with Down syndrome as compared to caregivers of typically developing infants

Caregiver feeding practices during the complementary feeding period (6 months–2 years) may be particularly important for infants with Down syndrome (DS) as they are at higher risk for later health conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes) that can be influenced by early feeding practices. However, how well caregivers of infants with DS are meeting infant feeding evidence-based practices is relatively unknown. Caregivers of infants with DS (N = 75) and caregivers of typically developing (TD) infants (N = 66) aged 0–2 years completed an online survey about their infant feeding practices and information sources. Caregiver practices and information sources were statistically compared between groups. Results indicated that there are significant differences in the feeding practices of caregivers of infants with DS when compared to caregivers of TD infants. Caregivers of infants with DS were less likely to meet infant feeding evidence-based practices than caregivers of TD infants. Caregivers of infants with DS were also more concerned about their infant's food intake and later weight status. Some individual feeding practices also significantly differed between groups, with caregivers of infants with DS more likely to meet evidence-based practices of purchasing iron rich foods and avoiding added salt, but less likely to use responsive feeding practices than caregivers of TD infants. Caregivers of infants with DS were also less likely to receive information about how to navigate the complementary feeding period than caregivers of TD infants. Coupled with existing research, the results of the present study suggest that infant feeding evidence-based practices should be reviewed for their appropriateness for this population and additional support for caregivers of infants with DS should be implemented to help them navigate this important period.

Maternal Psychosocial care and Child feeding practices

Introduction: Psychosocial care is the process by which caregivers meet the needs of infants in terms of adequate nutrition, emotional, social, mental and healthcare for promoting healthy growth and development. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the influence of psychosocial care during complementary feeding among mothers. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional design, and the sample size was statistically calculated to arrive at 385 mothers. A structured and self-administered questionnaire collected information on socio-economic status and psychosocial care during complementary feeding practices. WHO feeding indicators were used to assess the feeding practices of the mothers. Data were analysed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: The study showed that 52.1% of respondents were between 20 and 29 years old, 88.1% were married, and others were single or divorced mothers. The feeding indicator showed that 21.5% of respondents met the Minimum Adequate Diet. Half of the respondents (50%) monitored the amount of food consumed by the children, while 12.4% encouraged the children to finish the food served. There was an insignificant relationship between maternal psychosocial care and complementary feeding practices (χ2; p>0.05), whereas there was a significant association between maternal psychosocial care and maternal age (χ2; p=0.043) as well as religion (χ2; p=0.031). Conclusion: The study concluded that mothers who had advanced in age had better maternal psychosocial care during complementary feeding than the younger mothers. Therefore, maternal nutrition education on complementary feeding and care during infants’ feeding should be encouraged during antenatal and post-natal clinics.

Evaluation of breastfeeding behaviors and complementary feeding practices of Turkish and Syrian refugee mothers.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare breastfeeding and related factors (age, level of education, age at first pregnancy, etc.), and complementary feeding practices between Syrian refugee and native Turkish mothers. Material and methods: This descriptive-comparative study examined the nutritional characteristics of infants aged 9 to 60 months whose mothers were Turkish or Syrian refugees who attended Kızıltepe State Hospital between January 2022 and July 2022. Results: 204 mothers (126 Turkish and 78 Syrian) who had a child aged 9-60 months were included. The average age of the mothers was 27.60 ± 5.17 years for Turkish citizens and 28.91 ± 5.62 for Syrian refugees, without significant difference between the two groups (p: 0.091). Postpartum breastfeeding was 91.3% and breastfeeding duration was 12 (0-24) months in Turkish citizens; in Syrian refugees, breastfeeding was 84.6% and average breastfeeding time was 9 (0- 24) months (respectively, breast milk intake p: 0.144, uptake time p: 0.161; no statistical difference). Breastfeeding training was received by 23.8% of Turkish citizens and 5.1% of Syrian refugees; there was a significant difference between the two groups (p: 0.001). Conclusion: In refugee groups, infant and maternal nutrition practices are disrupted. Working in conjunction with local and international organizations and state agencies that give help to refugee groups, the appropriate interventions, initiatives, supports, and awareness-raising activities would strive to improve practices in mother and baby nutrition and narrow gaps.

Nutritional status assessment of 6-59 months age children in rural Yadgir, Karnataka state, India

Background: Childhood undernutrition contributes to childhood diseases and is a major cause of child mortality in India. According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 32% under-five children in India were under-weight, and 36% were stunted. In Karnataka, the prevalence of underweight among under-five children was 33% and stunting 35%. The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of under five-years children in rural communities. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 1887 under-five children from rural Yadgir, Karnataka. Weight and height of children were measured using standard protocols. The World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software version 3.2.2.1 was used for analyzing data. Children whose Z-scores on weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height indices were below -2SD from the median of the WHO reference population were considered as underweight, stunted, and wasted respectively. Results: The result revealed that 53.6% of children were stunted, 39.4% were underweight and 15.3% were wasted. Severe forms of underweight, stunting and wasting were observed among 9.4%, 24.2% and 4% children respectively. The frequency of being underweight and stunted has increased with age, which was accelerated after 6 months and about 34% and 52% of children were underweight and stunted by the age 12-23 months. While wasting was higher among children aged 6-11 (24.2%) months than their counterparts. Conclusions: Special attention is required to reduce nutrition vulnerability among young children (12-24 months). An appropriate strategy needs to be implemented to educate rural mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.

Late Preterm Newborns: Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices.

The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with successful breastfeeding in late preterm infants (LPIs) and explore the initiation of complementary feeding; Methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted of infants born at 34+0 to 36+6 weeks gestational age in the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics during 2020-2021. Families were followed up until the infants reached 12 months of age. Average breastfeeding initial time, average breastfeeding duration time, prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and average solid-food feeding initiation time were examined. The correlations among factors that might affect breastfeeding rates were calculated using the chi-square test (p < 0.05); Results: In our study with 222 eligible participants, we observed a statistically significant delay in breastfeeding initiation only in the 34+0+6 gestational age group (p < 0.001). At discharge, the 36+0+6 group exhibited a significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rate (p < 0.001). Over the first year, breastfeeding rates varied, with no correlation found between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and gestational age. Initial solid-food feeding times were similar across groups, and all infants were introduced to vegetables first; Conclusions: Vaginal delivery, skin-to-skin contact after birth, early rooming-in, and breastfeeding within 2 h after birth statistically significantly causes earlier breastfeeding initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding in LPIs. All infants began solid-food feeding at an average age of 5 months, with vegetables being the primary food choice.

The Effects of Gemar Booklet Media on the Level of Knowledge and Behavior of Mothers in Giving MP-ASI (Complementary food) for 6-12 Months Infants in Arcawinangun

Background: MP-ASI is a transitional food given when babies are six months old to minimize the risk of malnutrition. One of the success factors in giving MP-ASI is the mother's knowledge regarding the accuracy of the baby's age and the composition contained therein. Food composition, food texture, and frequency of feeding are crucial in the practice of complementary feeding, and in this modern era, mothers still underestimate them. Method: This study used a quantitative method, with a quasi-experimental design with one group pre and post-test. The sample of this research was 46 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: The level of knowledge of the intervention group before and after the intervention was given had an average of 6.85 (enough) to 11.83 (good). The behaviour level of the intervention group before and after the intervention had an average of 40.59 (incorrect) to 48.91 (accurate). The p-value of the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (0.00) means that booklet media affects the level of knowledge and behaviour. Conclusion: The GEMAR booklet media is influential in efforts to increase the level of knowledge and behaviour of mothers in giving MP-ASI to infants aged 6-12 months.

The Influence of Parenting Patterns, Diarrhea Diseases and Infections on the Incidence of Stunting Toddlers in Poor Families in Medan City

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Stunting is a long-term reflection of inadequate food quality and quantity and frequent childhood infections, especially in low economic conditions or poor families. This study aims to analyze the effect of parenting patterns on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, food preparation, environmental hygiene and sanitation practices, caring for children when sick, infectious diseases of diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection on the incidence of stunting in toddlers in poor families in Medan City. This research method used a case-control approach. This study was conducted in the Medan City area from November 2022 to December 2023. The study sample population was 364. The study sample was 105 children from poor families by comparing the number of samples in the case group and control samples, namely 35 samples in the case group and 70 in the control group. The sampling technique was carried out using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire in the form of an interview. The incidence of stunting in children was obtained from the measurement of children's height using a toddler height meter. Data collection used primary data through questionnaires and secondary data through Child Identity Card book data. Data analysis with descriptive univariate analysis, bivariate analysis with chi-square test and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. data processing using SPSS software version 16.0. The results showed that there was a significant influence between breastfeeding and complementary feeding (p-value 0.006) and environmental sanitation hygiene practices (p-value = 0.017) on the incidence of stunting in toddlers from poor families. The dominant factor influencing the incidence of stunting in Medan City is the factor of breastfeeding and complementary feeding that is not good has a risk of 3.473 times experiencing stunting compared to children with good breastfeeding and complementary feeding. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords: Parenting, Poor Family, Stunting, Toddler&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;

Study of Factors Associated with Inappropriate Complementary Feeding Among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months, Western Health Region of the Gambia, 2020

Introduction: Inappropriate complementary feeding practices are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the first two years of life. The aim was to investigate factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6-23 months in the Western Health Region of The Gambia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from 14 September to 14 October 2020. The study population consisted of mothers of children aged 6 to 23 months attending reproductive and child health clinics and enrolled in the &amp;quot;Every Child Counts - My Child Project&amp;quot; immunization and vaccination program. Simple random sampling was used to select participants using the project. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire administered by telephone interview and concerned the socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers, the professional and economic characteristics of the parents, the socio-demographic characteristics of the children, diet and complementary feeding practices. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 28.3 (±5.4) years and that of the children 14.2 (±4.8) months. Minimum dietary diversity was 33.3%, minimum meal frequency 88% and minimum acceptable dietary intake 14.5% for all children aged 6-23 months. Non-respect of minimum dietary diversity was associated with the child&amp;apos;s female sex, with an OR = 16.3 [1.83-145.7], with the occurrence of both diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in the two weeks preceding the survey, with an OR = 27.2 [4.26-39.8], and with the child&amp;apos;s birth in a public health facility, with an OR = 55.1 [1.53-197.7]. Children whose mothers were aged between 25 and 34 and whose fathers did not work had a higher risk of non-respect of the dietary diversity, with OR = 54.1 [2.4 6- 118.5] and OR = 22.5 [2.32 - 31.9] respectively. The factors associated with non-respect of the minimum meal frequency were the advanced age of the children: 12 to 17 months with an OR= 28.6 [1.65 - 49.5] and 18 to 23 months with an OR= 18.9 [1.67 - 215.0] and a history of both ARI and diarrhea with an OR=. 52,9 [1,61 - 173,7]. Non-respect of the minimum acceptable dietary intake was associated with older children aged 18 to 23 months OR= 14.4 [2.25- 93.0] and those whose mothers had vocational training OR=.24.2 [1.27- 46.3]. Conclusion: Complementary feeding practices are not very satisfactory. It is important to strengthen nutrition education in order to improve infant and young child feeding practices.

The effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infant pairs in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

IntroductionDespite strategies and recommendations for complementary feeding initiation were applied globally, mothers initiated complementary feeding to the infants on time was low. Previous works of literatures were not identified the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding. Particularly, evidences regarding to this in Ethiopia is scanty. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infants pairs in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based prospective cohort study was carried out among 732 primipara, and 1464 multipara mothers who had a live birth in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using Kobo collect software at the start of and on a monthly bases until the end of the follow up period. Parity as exposure variable and other confounders were analyzed using cox proportional hazard regression. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Schoenfeld residuals global test (P-value = 0.4861) was performed. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to declare statistical significance of predictors.ResultsThe overall incidence rate of initiation of complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers were 16.27 (95%CI: 15.04, 17.61) and 13.30 (95%CI: 12.53, 14.12) person months’ observations respectively. The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers for their infants was 5 and 6 months respectively. Primipara mothers had a 30% higher rate to initiate complementary feeding early (AHR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.43). Age from 15 to 24 and 25–34 years (AHR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.36, 2.09; and AHR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.81) and Birth type (twin) (AHR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.64) were statistically significant predictors for time to initiate complementary feeding.ConclusionsParity was identified as a statistically significant predictor for time to initiate complementary feeding. The incidence rate of early and late initiation of complementary feeding was higher among primipara than multipara mothers. Besides, the median time to initiate complementary feeding was earlier among primipara than multipara mothers. So, a parity based complementary feeding practice education should be advocated to tackle the gap and further reduce infants and children malnutrition. Relatively younger age and twin delivered mothers initiated complementary feeding against the recommendation. Therefore, intervention considering such statistically significant predictors could have a public health importance.

Complementary feeding practices for children aged 6-23 months in early childhood education institutions in urban China: A cross-sectional study.

Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) plays a crucial role in promoting the healthy growth of children. Currently, many Chinese urban parents are seeking care of children from the early childhood education (ECE) institutions, however, little is known about the feeding practices of infants and young children in ECE institutions. This study aims to investigate the complementary feeding practices for Chinese urban children aged 6-23 months in ECE institutions and explore potential factors influencing their feeding practices. This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of children aged 6-23 months in ECE institutions across 31 provinces in China from 1 March to 30 April 2023. Convenience sampling was used to recruit caregivers from centres of Gymboree Play & Music (an ECE institution). Self-administered questionnaires were designed using the online survey tool Sojump and distributed through WeChat platform, which collected information on 1) children's complementary feeding practices; 2) food frequency of seven food groups; 3) caregivers' feeding knowledge and practices; 4) frequency of children attended ECE classes and the primary caregivers' daily nurturing care time; 5) source of information on complementary feeding. A total of 2731 children and their caregivers were surveyed, with 416 children aged 6-11 months and 2315 children aged 12-23 months. The prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was 59.4, 60.6, and 39.2%, respectively. Only 17.3% caregivers believed that continued breastfeeding should be at two years or above, and 29.5% children were continuously breastfed at 12-23 months (CBF). The proportion of non-responsive feeding practices among caregivers ranged from 28 to 64%. Except for CBF, the prevalence of other key complementary feeding practices was higher among children who attending ECE classes than those not attending ECE classes (all P < 0.05). Moreover, children aged 12-23 months who received long-nursing care time (≥4h/d) had significantly higher MMF and MAD prevalence than those in short-nursing care time group (MMF = 66.2 vs. 58.8%, P = 0.0003; MAD = 44.2 vs. 38.3%, P = 0.0047). The complementary feeding practices of children aged 6-23 months in ECE institutions in urban China remained suboptimal, and non-responsive feeding practices among caregivers were common. The attendance of ECE classes and the caregivers' daily nurturing care time could be beneficial in ensuring children to comply with complementary feeding recommendations.

Appropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months in Bhimphedi rural municipality of Nepal.

Appropriate complementary feeding plays a crucial role in the enhancement of child survival; and promotes healthy growth and development. Evidence has shown that appropriate complementary feeding is effective in preventing malnutrition and child mortality. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-23 months. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2018. A total of 259 mothers who had children aged 6-23 months were selected randomly from the 714 eligible mothers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. The data were collected in a tablet phone-based questionnaire using the Open Data Kit mobile application by face-to-face interview. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the factor associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice. The prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practice was 25%. Mother and father with formal education (AOR 6.1, CI: 1.7-22.4 and AOR 5.6 CI: 1.5-21.2 respectively), counseling on IYCF (AOR 4.2, CI: 1.5-12.3), having kitchen garden (AOR 2.4, CI: 1.1-5.2) and food secured family (AOR 3.0, CI: 1.0-8.9) had higher odds of appropriate complementary feeding practice. This study revealed that a significant proportion of mothers had inappropriate complementary feeding practice for their children aged 6-23 months. This study highlights the need for behavior change communication and promotion of kitchen garden to address the associated factors and promote appropriate complementary feeding practice.

Complementary Feeding: Tradition, Innovation and Pitfalls.

According to WHO, "complementary feeding (CF) is the process starting when breast milk alone or infant formula alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, and therefore, other foods and liquids are needed, along with breast human milk or a breastmilk substitute". CF is one of the most important "critical and sensitive periods" in human life: indeed, timing and approaches to solid foods introduction in an infant's nutrition are of utmost importance as potential epigenetic factors from infancy to adulthood. CF is also deeply influenced by each country and single-family traditions, culture, and beliefs. The aim of our narrative review is to analyze traditional CF practices, including innovative and alternative ones that emerged in the last decades, such as baby-led weaning or plant-based weaning, and to evaluate their effects on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. Moreover, we will discuss pitfalls and misunderstandings that pediatricians frequently have to face when dealing with complementary feeding. Health care professionals must not have prejudices against parents' wishes or traditions about CF; rather, they should support and educate them in case of any alternative CF choice, always pursuing the infant's adequate growth, neuro- and taste development, and the achievement of correct eating behavior as the primary goal.

Early feeding and nutritional status of Portuguese children in the first 36 months of life: EPACI Portugal 2012-a national representative cross-sectional study.

Early feeding practices have a critical role in the future not only in health but also in modulating eating habits. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and the nutritional status of Portuguese toddlers aged 0-36 months. EPACI Portugal 2012 is a cross-sectional study of a national representative sample. Trained interviewers collected data about early feeding practices and anthropometrics. Body mass index was classified according to World Health Organization criteria. Frequencies and survival analysis were used to characterize variables. More than 90% of children were initiated breastfeeding, around 20% were exclusively breastfed for six months, and about 20% were breastfed at 12 months while complementary feeding was taking place. Exclusive breastfeeding was determined by maternal prepregnancy body mass index (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00, 1.03, P=.03) and low birth weight (HR 1.61; IC 95% 1.21, 2.15, P=.001) of the infants. About 90% were initiated complementary feeding between four and six months, and almost 10% were introduced to cow's milk before 12 months. In the second year of life, 83.2% and 61.6% of toddlers have already consumed nectars and sweet desserts, respectively. About one-third of Portuguese toddlers showed a body mass index z-score >1, and 6.6% were overweight/obese (z-score >2). No association was found between the duration of breastfeeding or timing of complementary feeding and the body mass index z-score in children. Despite the low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at six months, Portuguese infants effectively comply with dietary recommendations during the first year of life. The transition to the family diet must be carefully made. There is a high prevalence of Portuguese toddlers at least at overweight risk. The duration of breastfeeding or timing of complementary feeding was not associated with the expression of overweight/obesity.

Hygienic complementary feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers having children aged 6–23 months in Antsokia Gemza district, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of parental hygienic complementary feeding practices (PHCFPs) and their associated factors among mothers with children aged 6–23 months in Antsokia Gemza district, Ethiopia, in 2022.MethodologyA community-based...

Family support is the strongest predictor that influences mother’s self-efficacy level on complementary feedings practices among toddlers in Tengger tribe

PurposeThe low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the early introduction of complementary feeding are among the causes of nutritional problems in children. The national coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in 2019 was 67.7%, surpassing the target of the 2019 Strategic Plan, which was 50%. However, there are still several practices of early and inappropriate complementary feeding (32.3%) that can be contributing factors to malnutrition problems in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence mother’s self-efficacy levels regarding complementary feeding practices among toddlers in the Tengger tribe.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted was an observational study with a cross-sectional design. It focused on mothers with children aged 6–24 months in Wonokitri village, East Java. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and information from the local health center. The analysis involved univariate and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test.FindingsMost mothers were aged 20–34 years (78.9%), had a good level of knowledge (61.4%), the last education level of fathers and mothers was high school (47.4%; 54.4%), parents work as farmers (86.0%; 61.4%), Hinduism (98.2%), family income is less than the minimum wage (78.9%), and mothers receive good family support (73.7%). Most toddlers were boys (56.1%), aged 13–24 months (68.4%), and the second child (66.7%). Family support was the only factor that was significantly related to a mother’s self-efficacy in complementary breastfeeding practices (p-value = 0.042).Research limitations/implicationsIt is hoped that more families and health workers will support mothers in giving food to their babies based on the guidelines.Originality/valueThis paper collects evidence from indigenous people of the Tengger tribe.

Determinants of Stunting Among Children Under Five Years in Indonesia: Evidence from the 2021-2022 Demographic and Health Survey

At the global level, the prevention of stunting is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indonesia is currently working towards achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal, which entails ending hunger, ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and supporting sustainable agriculture. As a part of this objective, efforts are being made to decrease the prevalence of stunting in children by 2025. Attention towards stunting is crucial as it can adversely affect children's physical and cognitive development well into adulthood if not addressed appropriately. This paper conducted a literature review from various sources, with a focus on google scholar and prioritizing sources from the last five years, as well as research on the population in Indonesia. It was determined through the analysis of several sources that maternal, child, and environmental factors pose various risks for stunting in Indonesia. Maternal factors that may play a role in child development include the mother's age, upper arm circumference, height, breastfeeding or complementary feeding practices, early initiation of breastfeeding and food quality during pregnancy. A history of low birth weight or prematurity, male sex, neonatal illness, frequent and recurrent diarrhea, infectious diseases, and lack of immunization are among the child factors associated with developmental outcomes. Factors such as living in a low socio-economic environment, limited family education, especially maternal education, insufficient household income, open defecation in rivers, gardens or inadequate latrines, consumption of untreated drinking water and high exposure to pesticides are also associated with the prevalence of stunting.

Associations between breastfeeding duration and adherence to complementary feeding recommendations in Scotland.

We aimed to describe how breastfeeding relates to adherence to complementary feeding (CF) recommendations, diet diversification and feeding skills development and whether sociodemographic factors explain any differences observed. The Scottish Maternal Infant and Nutrition Survey for infants aged 8-12 months collected breastfeeding history, CF practices, diet and sociodemographic data using a self-completion questionnaire. Non-healthful CF practices were starting CF < 6 months, any consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), sweet or salty snacks (treats) or unmodified cow's milk and regular consumption of commercial baby foods. Diet diversification and feeding skills were assessed by amount of self-feeding and number of food groups, meals and snacks eaten daily. Of the 2730 mothers, 20% were solely infant formula fed (IFF) and 48% continued breastfeeding ≥6 months. Compared to IFF babies, mothers who gave any breast milk ≥6 months were more likely to start CF ≥ 6 months compared to those IFF (66% vs. 37%) and less likely to give treats (15% vs. 45%), SSBs (11% vs. 20%) and commercial baby foods (31% vs. 53%). These associations remained highly significant (p < 0.001) even after sociodemographic factor adjustment. Despite starting CF later, infants breastfed ≥6 months ate the same number of food groups and meals as those IFF, were just as likely to self-feed purees and more likely to self-feed finger foods daily (87% vs. 81% p < 0.001). Mothers who breastfeed beyond 6 months adhere more to CF recommendations and start CF later compared to IFF, but their babies eat a similarly diverse diet and have similar feeding skills.