Early Introduction Of Complementary Feeding Research Articles

Mother's perception of early introduction of complementary feeding affecting stunting in Ghana: A qualitative research

AbstractObjectivesThe study aimed to explore mothers' perceptions for timely introduction of complementary feeding through interviews with 2–12‐month‐old infants' mothers in Ghana.MethodsQualitative descriptive research with 16 semi‐structured interviews with mothers attending the Child Welfare Clinic at Ejisu Hospital was conducted from June 2022 to May 2023. The study was guided by the Declaration of Helsinki, and all participants were instructed about informed consent for the study. Interviews and analysis were guided by Theory of Planned Behavior. NVivo 1.5 was used throughout the coding procedure. This study was conducted after the approval from St. Luke's International University.ResultsFour themes were revealed: (1) attitude toward the behavior based on the mothers' experience raising children, (2) attitude toward the behavior influenced by subjective norm (grandmothers' recommendation), (3) attitude toward the behavior influenced by perceived behavioral control (difficulty in continuing breastfeeding), and (4) mothers who are worried about underweight despite timely introduction of complementary feeding. Attitudes toward the behavior were influenced by mothers' experiences raising children and grandmothers' recommendations. Surroundings disruptive of breastfeeding also influenced attitudes toward intentions and behavior. Moreover, some mothers suffered from underweight even if they introduce complementary feeding at an optimal time.ConclusionSupporting to continue breastfeeding and conducting re‐education for grandmothers is a key recommendation for midwives and pediatric nurses. Moreover, pediatric nurses are required to further enhance not only health education regarding the timing of initiating complementary feeding but also support after the introduction.

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.

Risk Factors and Implications of Early Introduction of Complementary Feeding in Infants: A Case-Control Study in Peshawar, Pakistan

Risk Factors and Implications of Early Introduction of Complementary Feeding in Infants: A Case-Control Study in Peshawar, Pakistan

EFFECT OF COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING TRAINING ON POSYANDU CADRES KNOWLEDGE AS STUNTING PREVENTION ON 6 – 12 MONTHS CHILDREN

Introduction: Complementary feeding period is one the critical period in the first 1000 day of life for stunting prevention. There are many problems found in complementary feeding practices related to low mother’s knowledge , such as too early introduction of complementary feeding, low frequency of complementary feeding, low variety and diversity of food ingredients. Posyandu cadre can help mothers become more knowledgeable about complementary feeding. Method: Design of this research is one-group pre-post design to measure cadre knowlodge relate to complementary feeding for children 6 – 12 months. Research conducted in West Bandung District in 6 stunting loci villages, Kertajaya, Kertamulya, Mekarjaya, Cihampelas, Sirnajaya and Gunung Halu Villages. Complementary feeding training material focus on complementray feeding for 6 – 12 months. Training conduct online using zoom meeting platform. Objectives: To analyzed impact of complementary feeding on posyandu cadre knowledge as stunting prevention in children 6 – 12 months. Result: Based on paired t-test show that there significant different between pre-test and post-test result on posyandu cadre knowledge (p<0.001). Conclusion: There are significant effect of posyandu cadre training on knowledge related complementary feeding for 6 – 12 months as stunting prevention in the first 1000 days of life

Introduction of complementary feeding: analysis of practices and factors that influence parental decisions

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their infant for the first six months to achieve optimal growth and development. In addition, children should receive nutritious complementary foods and continue to breastfeed until age two years or older. Several factors still greatly influence the introduction of complementary feeding (ICF). Thus, this research aimed to analyze whether parents perform the appropriate ICF for their children. This survey used a questionnaire prepared via Google Forms®, with 58 participants, 100% women with 28 years old on average. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) until the sixth month was reported by 51.7% of the interviewees. Based on feeding characteristics, 69% started introducing food at six months old. Regarding early ICF, infant formula was the most offered food (36.2%). Foods such as crackers, stuffed biscuits, sugar, fruit juice, and cow's milk were offered early to children younger than 24 months. The lack of information, the economic factor, time concerning work, and practicality were the factors that interfered with the introduction of food to children. The importance of professional nutritionists in raising awareness among parents is highlighted, transmitting confidence and aiming at an adequate introduction of complementary foods.

Preliminary Reports on the Experiences of Mothers in the Early Introduction of Complementary Feeding to Their Infants: a Phenomenological Study

Objective − The objective of the study was to explore the experiences of mothers with the early complementary feeding to infants in the IV Koto Sub-district, Agam District, West Sumatera Province of Indonesia.Materials and Methods − Qualitative methods, with a phenomenological approach were used in this study. This study was carried out from September to November 2022 in District IV Koto, Agam Regency. Ten mothers of infant aged 6-23 months who introduced complementary foods to their infants before six months of age were included in this study using a purposive sampling technique. Mothers who were not able to communicate well were excluded from this study. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to collect the data. Data analysis used conventional content analysis.Results − The experience of mothers in early complementary feeding of their infants were explored using five themes. These findings were that mothers perceived the benefits of early complementary feeding, infant cues, the need to work outside the home, insufficient breastmilk supply, receiving advice regarding early complementary feeding from grandmothers, and cultural beliefs.Conclusion − Mothers perceived the benefit of early complementary feeding for their infants and themselves. Therefore, health professionals should provide assistance and counseling to mothers breastfeeding their babies so they can continue with exclusive breastfeeding and introduce complementary foods at the right time.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO EARLY INTRODUCTION OF COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING : META ANALYSIS STUDY IN INDONESIA

More than 40% of mothers in the world, including Indonesia, have given food other than breast milk when the baby is less than six months old. Various factors can lead to early complementary feeding in Indonesia. The novelty of this research is because it examines about factors associated with early complementary feeding in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with early complementary feeding in Indonesia. This study used a quantitative design and meta-analytical analysis technique. Articles were included in this study, which were searched using Google Scholar, Garuda Portal, and ISJD databases. A total of 1,157 identification articles, with keywords ((early complementary feeding, complementary feeding administration in infants aged 0-6 months, early breastfeeding or prelacteal feeding) and (factors or factors related to, risk factors, knowledge) mother or education level, family support, support health workers, promotion of complementary feeding products, baby porridge, baby biscuits, formula or culture) and (cross sectional or case control) and (region in Indonesia)). The search was performed using the Indonesian language. Fifteen articles were systematically reviewed and included in this meta-analysis. There is no significant relationship between maternal education level, family support, support from health workers and culture with early complementary feeding in Indonesia. Mothers’ low knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding is one of the factors contributing to early complementary feeding in Indonesia. Conclusion is Mother which low knowledge is at risk 2.63 times to have early introduction of complementary feeding for baby (95% Cl; 1.14-6.09).

Factors Associated with the Duration of Breastfeeding: The Practices of Mexican Mothers in a Megacity and in the Agricultural Town.

Breast milk is irreplaceable for healthy development. In Mexico, by 2019, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was low and the use of breastmilk substitutes (BMSs) was high. The aim of this work was to evaluate the maternal and child characteristics related to breastfeeding (BF) duration and to the introduction of BMSs for residents of Mexico City (CdMX) and an agricultural town in Morelos. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 160 mother-child binomials (0-15 months of age) from the megacity CdMX and the agricultural town. EBF and total breastfeeding (TBF) duration, age of transition to BMSs, and the introduction of complementary feeding (CF) were assessed. Associations with maternal and infant factors were assessed using Cox models. The prevalence of EBF in the joint samples at 5.9 months was 32.6% and 5.8% at 6 months. EBF was favored under the following conditions: living in CdMX, receiving prenatal care, no newborn hospitalization, and breastmilk provided as first food at birth. TBF was prolonged under the following conditions: older mother, female children, rooming-in care during puerperium, receiving BF upon discharge after birth, cohabiting with extended family, and having no siblings. The introduction of BMSs predominated under the following conditions: living in an agricultural town, BMSs given after birth before discharge, younger mother, worker mother, and lack of prenatal care. The early introduction of CF (before the fourth month) was 2% for CdMX and 14% for the agricultural town. The agricultural population had a higher risk of the premature interruption of EBF/TBF and the early introduction of BMSs and CF. Protective factors were family-friendly environments and being born in a baby-friendly hospital.

Determinants of Childhood Overweight and Obesity among Children 2 – 6 Years of Age Attending Anganwadi Centres in a Block of North Bengal

BACKGROUND
 Childhood obesity, a precursor of obesity in adulthood, is an important risk factor for adverse health outcomes and is showing a rising trend in India. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding, early introduction of complementary feeding, overweight or obesity in the mother, and maternal diabetes are important risk factors. The study was conducted to determine the proportion of overweight and obesity and its determinants among children in a block of North Bengal.
 METHODS
 A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 2 – 6 years attending Anganwadi Centres in Tufanganj I Block, District Cooch Behar, West Bengal. 221 children aged between 2 and 6 years, were selected by 2 stage sampling technique, from 5 AWCs by simple random sampling, after taking informed consent from their mothers. Proportions, 95% CI for prevalence, and adjusted odds ratio for risk factors were calculated.
 RESULTS
 Proportions of overweight and obesity were 22.2% and 11.3% respectively. The proportion of combined overweight and obesity was significantly higher when the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was for less than 6 months compared to more than 6 months [AOR=8.069, 95% CI = 1.778-36.624, P=0.007] and the duration of continued breastfeeding was for less than 6 months compared to more than 6 months [AOR=12.586, 95% CI = 5.196-30.486, P=<0.001].
 CONCLUSIONS
 The proportion of overweight and obesity was observed to be higher compared to other studies. Increased duration of breastfeeding appears to be a protective factor for the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity.

Influência do Método Canguru sobre o aleitamento materno, a introdução da alimentação complementar e a qualidade da dieta, no primeiro ano de vida

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the influence of Kangaroo Mother Care on breastfeeding rates in preterm neonates, both at hospital discharge and throughout the first year of life, as well as its relation with the time of introduction of early complementary feeding and diet quality. Methods Observational, prospective and analytical longitudinal study conducted in a public hospital in southern Brazil. The study included 46 preterm neonates, who were admitted to a Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit or Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit. Results The frequency of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge was higher in preterm neonates of Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (p<0.001), and at four months of corrected age, 35% of them continued on exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.029), as compared to infants in Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit. However, at six and 12 months, no difference was found in breastfeeding rates between the participating groups. At four months of corrected age, approximately 45% of the breastfeeding infants in both groups were already on complementary feeding. At 12 months of corrected age, consumption of ultra-processed foods was 38.9% in infants from the Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit and 70% in infants from the Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (p=0.054), and no significant differences were found. Conclusion The Kangaroo Mother Care fostered exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge and at 4 months of corrected age. On the other hand, with regard to the early introduction of complementary feeding, Kangaroo Mother Care was not protective, and a high rate of consumption of processed foods by infants was found.

Mothers' feeding practices among infants (4-12 months) and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

A global target of increasing exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) to at least 50% by the year 2025 was set by the WHO for infants under 6 months. The lowest prevalence in the world was found in the Eastern Mediterranean region in 2010-18 and little is known about the status of mothers' feeding practices in Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to assess mothers' actual feeding and weaning practices used with their infants by the mothers' different age groups. The present study was conducted among 247 mothers of infants aged 4-12 months who were attending public well-baby clinics. Quantitative data were obtained by nutritionists using an electronic semi-structured questionnaire about mothers' feeding practices. Only 5·3% of mothers engaged in EBF, 44·9% breast-fed their infants after an hour of birth, while 92·7% of infants had ever been breast-fed. The average intent/plan to continue breast-feeding was 4·9(±3·1) months. Younger mothers introduced weaning food around 4 weeks earlier than older mothers (mean differences were -0·4, 95% CI -0·71, -0·13; P = 0·031). A total of 64·3% of infants received complementary feeding before completing 17 weeks. Maternal age group and delivery mode were the only factors associated with the early introduction of complementary feeding. A total of 69·2% of the mothers believed that 'it is a good time' and 61·1% felt that 'infants are hungry and need other sources of food'. Online sources and family advice were the top sources of information on mothers' feeding practices. Provision of professional advice about EBF and optimal weaning practices are significant areas for improvement in terms of compliance with recommended infant feeding practices.

Effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months in urban Moshi, Northern Tanzania: Cohort study.

IntroductionChildhood undernutrition is a major public health problem especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The prevalence of early introduction of complementary feeding, low meal frequency, and low dietary diversity are frequent in LMICs. The effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children is not well documented in East African countries including Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children aged 6–24 months in urban Moshi, Tanzania.MethodologyA retrospective cohort study was done using the Pasua and Majengo cohorts of mother-child pairs in urban Moshi who were enrolled from 2002 to 2017. About 3355 mother-child pairs were included in the analysis. Appropriate complementary feeding practices were assessed using WHO IYFP indicators such as age at introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum meal frequency. Nutritional status (stunting, wasting, and underweight) was determined. Multilevel modeling was applied to obtain the effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children and to account for the clustering effect of mothers and children and the correlation of repeated measures within each child.ResultsMajority of the children (91.2%) were given soft/semi-solid/solid foods before six months of age, 40.3percent had low meal frequency, and 74percent had low dietary diversity. Early introduction of complementary food at age 0–1 month was statistically significantly associated with higher risks of wasting and underweight (ARR 2.9, 95%CI 1.3–6.3; and ARR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.1 respectively). Children with low minimum meal frequency had higher risks of stunting, wasting, and underweight (ARR 2.9, 95%CI 2.3–3.6; ARR 1.9, 95%CI 1.5–2.5 and ARR 1.9, 95%CI 1.5–2.4 respectively). Children with low minimum dietary diversity were more likely to be stunted than is the case with their peers who received the minimum dietary diversity (ARR 1.3, 95% CI 1.01–1.6).ConclusionThere were a high proportion of children, which were fed inappropriately; Inappropriate complementary feeding practices predisposed children to undernutrition. Our study supports the introduction of complementary feeding, providing minimum dietary diversity, and minimum feeding frequency at six months of age as important in improving the nutritional status of the children.

Reasons for the Early Introduction of Complementary Feeding to HIV-Exposed Infants in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

Exclusive breastfeeding has many health benefits for the baby and the mother. This study explored the reasons for the early introduction of supplementary feeding before six months, and the issues faced by parturient women in practicing exclusive breast feeding (EBF) for their HIV-exposed infants in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Narratives from 319 parturient women with HIV (aged 18 years and above) were collected at three hospitals in the Eastern Cape through semi-structured interviews over a period of five months. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The maternal perception of HIV transmission from breast milk influenced the decision for the immediate introduction of formula feeding. Breast sores, lumps, surgery and perceived insufficiency of milk influenced the decision of mothers to initiate formula feeding within the first two months. However, mothers who initiated complementary feeding after two months were driven by factors common among newborns (refusal of breast milk, baby crying inconsolably and fear of losing weight) and social factors (economic or financial hardships and work-related challenges). Additionally, advice from family members weighed heavily in the decision to switch to complementary feeding, contrary to the healthcare providers’ recommendations. Early complementary feeding for HIV-exposed infants is influenced by maternal perceptions of breast milk transmission, breast and infant factors and socio-economic and cultural practices in the region. Thus, behavioural interventions tailored towards promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices in this population, starting from the pre-natal and continuing during the post-partum period, should also target the immediate family members. National policy should focus on creating an EBF-friendly environment at the workplace for women.

National Recommendations for Infant and Young Child Feeding in the World Health Organization European Region.

ABSTRACTObjectives:Complementary feeding should provide a healthy diet with critical nutrients for growth and development. Information is limited on child and infant feeding recommendations within the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region.Methods:The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) performed a survey of national recommendations on infant and young child nutrition aimed at national government departments of health and national paediatric experts. Questions addressed national recommendations on breast-feeding and complementary feeding.Results:Information was available from 48 of the 53 Member States. Forty-five of 48 countries (94%) have national recommendations on infant and young child feeding, of which 41 are endorsed by official public health authorities. Regarding introduction of complementary feeding, 25 countries (out of 34, 74%) recommend 6 months of age as the ideal age. The earliest age of introduction recommended varies from 4 to 5 months in (31/38 countries, 82%) to 6 months (6/38, 16%) and 7 months (1/38, 2.6%). The recommended meal composition varies widely; introduction of iron-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs) at the age of 6 months is recommended in 30 out of 43 countries, whereas 13 (30%) recommend later introduction.Conclusions:National infant feeding recommendations vary widely between studied countries and partly differ from international recommendations. Too early introduction of complementary feeding can reduce duration of exclusive breast-feeding (EBF). Too late introduction of iron-rich complementary foods might increase anemia risk and adversely affect child development. A review and further harmonization of national recommendations appears desirable.

Does domestic violence during pregnancy influence the beginning of complementary feeding?

BackgroundThis study investigate the influence of domestic violence against pregnant women on early complementary feeding and associated factors.MethodsA longitudinal observational study was conducted with a convenience sample recruited from three public hospitals in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data on maternal age, education, marital status, breastfeeding, introduction of complementary feeding and domestic violence during pregnancy were investigated at four follow-ups points. Data on domestic violence was collected through a self-report questionnaire based on the Abuse Assessment Screen. The early introduction of complementary feeding, characterized as occurring before or at 3 months of life, was verified through a questionnaire prepared by the research group. Data analysis involved Student’s t-test, the chi-square test and Cox regression and was carried out in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program. The significance level was set at 5%.ResultsA total of 232 mother-infant pairs participated in the analyses, and 15.1% of the mothers reported suffering some form of violence. Domestic violence was directly associated with maternal education, marital status, and health status during pregnancy. Domestic violence was not associated with maternal age or breastfeeding at 3 months after delivery. In the univariate analysis, domestic violence during pregnancy was associated with early complementary feeding (RR = 1.74; CI: 1.01–2.98). This effect disappeared after the model was adjusted in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThere was no relationship between domestic violence during pregnancy and early complementary feeding.

Predictors for late tolerance development in food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis.

Background: Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is a non-immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated food allergy that typically presents with blood-mixed mucoid stool. Objective: To identify the predictors that affect the tolerance development in infants with FPAIP and laboratory as well as clinical differences between patients with early and with late tolerance. Methods: A total of 185 infants with FPIAP were included. The patients were grouped and analyzed based on laboratory tests and clinical characteristics. Results: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of onset of symptoms was 2.0 months (1.0-3.0 months). Symptoms began in severe cases in patients (n = 23) at a younger median (IQR) age (1.5 months [0.7-2.0 months]) than the group with nonsevere presentation (median 2.0 months [IQR 1.5-3.0 months]) (p < 0.001). The frequency of neutropenia (<1500/mm³) (p = 0.045) and eosinophilia (450 mm³) (p = 0.018) was increased in severe cases. Concomitant IgE-related food allergy (odds ratio [OR] 3.595 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.096-11.788], p = 0.035), non-IgE-mediated multiple food allergy (OR 3.577 [95% CI, 1.595-8.018], p = 0.002), feeding with cow's milk-based formula (at least once during infancy) (OR 2.517 [95% CI, 1.188-5.333], p = 0.016), and late complementary feeding (OR 5.438 [95% CI, 2.693-10.981], p < 0.001) were the predictors for late tolerance development. The estimated optimal cutoff value for introduction of complementary foods for the resolution of allergy was 5.5 months, with 69.4% sensitivity, 74.4% specificity, and an area under the curve of 0.737 (95% CI, 0.626-0.812) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that the early introduction of complementary feeding accelerates tolerance development in FPAIP. A longer duration of an elimination diet has no impact on the resolution of allergy. Physicians should consider conservative avoidance measures and earlier introduction of complementary feeding in FPIAP.

PRÁTICAS ALIMENTARES EM CRIANÇAS DE ZERO A DOIS ANOS INTERNADAS EM HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO DO SUL DO BRASIL

Objetivo: Identificar e descrever as práticas alimentares de crianças de zero a dois anos de vida internadas em um hospital universitário de Porto Alegre-RS. Métodos: Identificaram-se as práticas alimentares de 261 crianças, por instrumento composto por questões que analisam atributos, componentes e marcadores da alimentação complementar. As variáveis foram expressas em percentual e valor absoluto, média e desvio padrão ou mediana e intervalo interquartil. Resultados: O aleitamento materno exclusivo até os seis meses esteve presente em 25,3% da amostra, com mediana de duração de 45 dias, e a introdução da alimentação complementar foi iniciada em tempo adequado (seis a sete meses) em 57%. Dentre as crianças que já haviam iniciado a alimentação complementar através da papa de fruta ou refeição principal (n = 128), a mediana de idade de introdução foi de 5 (4-6) meses. Em relação à adequação, alimentos fonte de vitamina A e ferro estiveram presentes em 83,6% das crianças, e 62,5% consumiam todos os grupos alimentares. A consistência da alimentação estava adequada em 52,3%. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados estava presente na alimentação de 60,2% das crianças. Conclusões: Foram observadas baixa prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo, introdução precoce da alimentação complementar e alta frequência de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. As práticas alimentares inadequadas identificadas podem comprometer a saúde da criança, sendo importante realizar ações para a promoção do aleitamento materno e da introdução adequada da alimentação complementar.DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2019.43304

Social-Cultural Factors and Complementary Feeding of Children 6-23 Months Among the Maasai in Narok South Kenya.

Background: The Maasai socio-cultural beliefs and practices have been shown to influence their infant feeding hence determines their nutritional status. Objective: This study aimed to determine the complementary feeding practices among the Maasai community in Narok South sub-County. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study design was adopted. A total sample of 400 mothers and children were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using an infant and young child WHO semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGDs) guides. Anthropometric data was interpreted using Z-scores with reference to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2006. ENA for SMART, 2011 software was used to analyze anthropometric data. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Statistical significance was set at p value less than 0.05. Results: Early introduction of complementary feeding was common in the community. Comparison of the prevalence of malnutrition between the boys and girls revealed that stunting and underweight was significantly higher in the girls (stunting, 33.3%; underweight, 14.1%) compared to the boys (stunting, 26.8%; underweight, 11.3%), On the other hand a larger proportion of the boys had low weight for height (8.9%) compared with the girls (11.0%). Cultural factors and taboos were seen to have greatly influenced the infant feeding practices. Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors associated with the complementary feeding have a strong influence on children 6-23 months of age in the Maasai community, in Narok South -Sub County. Keyword s: socio-cultural factors, complementary feeding, Nutrition status, pastoralists. DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/62-18 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Factors associated with early introduction of complementary feeding and consumption of non-recommended foods among Dutch infants: the BeeBOFT study

BackgroundTiming and types of complementary feeding in infancy affect nutritional status and health later in life. The present study aimed to investigate the factors associated with early introduction of complementary feeding (i.e., before age 4 months), and factors associated with infants consumption of non-recommended foods, including sweet beverages and snack foods.MethodsThis study used cross-sectional data from the BeeBOFT study (n = 2157). Data on complementary feeding practices and potential determinants were obtained by questionnaire at infant’s age of 6 months. Logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with early introduction of complementary feeding and infants’ consumption of non-recommended foods.Results21.4% of infants had received complementary feeding before 4 months of age. At the age of 6 months, 20.2% of all infants were consuming sweet beverages daily and 16.5% were consuming snack foods daily. Younger maternal age, lower maternal educational level, absence or shorter duration of breastfeeding, parental conviction that “my child always wants to eat when he/she sees someone eating” and not attending day-care were independently associated with both early introduction of complementary feeding and the consumption of non-recommended foods. Higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and infant postnatal weight gain were associated only with early introduction of complementary feeding.ConclusionsWe identified several demographical, biological, behavioral, psychosocial, and social factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practices. These findings are relevant for designing intervention programs aimed at educating parents.Trial registrationThe trail is registered at Netherlands Trial Register, trail registration number: NTR1831. Retrospectively registered on May 29, 2009.

Patterns of breastfeeding practices among infants and young children in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

BackgroundDespite the ongoing efforts to improve infant feeding practices, low rates of breastfeeding and early introduction of complementary feeding have been reported in many countries. Systematic documentation of breastfeeding practices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is needed in order to directing successful strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate breastfeeding practices among mothers in Abu Dhabi, UAE, using the World Health Organization (WHO) infant and young child feeding indicators.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, mothers of children below the age of two were recruited from the community and health centers located in different areas in Abu Dhabi. Following informed consent, a structured questionnaire including WHO-indicators was used for in-person interviews on sociodemographics and breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was calculated as the percentage of babies 0 – < 6 months of age who had been exclusively breastfed in the last 24 h.ResultsA total of 1822 mothers participated in the study; 95.6% (1741/1822) of mothers initiated breastfeeding and 59.8% (1089/1822) initiated breastfeeding within the first hour. Exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0–6 months was 44.3% (362/818). Although the median duration of “any breastfeeding” was 12 months (95% CI 11.2, 12.7), the median duration of EBF was 3 months (95% CI 2.8, 3.3). Most of the children (894/1004, 89%) aged 6 months and above were receiving complementary feeding, but 21.7% (218/1004) of them had had an early introduction of complementary feeding, i.e. before 6 months of age. Using “the WHO infant and young child feeding indicators” as standard for comparative evaluation, breastfeeding initiation was rated “good”, the proportion of children being exclusively breastfed until 6 months was rated “fair” and the duration of EBF was considered “poor”.ConclusionsAccording to the WHO infant feeding indicators the breastfeeding practices were suboptimal in several aspects with a low proportion of children being exclusively breastfed, short breastfeeding duration and early introduction of complementary feeding, despite high socioeconomic status. These findings suggest that there is a need to understand potential barriers towards breastfeeding in order to develop appropriate strategies to promote and support breastfeeding in Abu Dhabi.