Introduction Of Complementary Feeding Research Articles

Timely initiation of complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers having children aged 6 to 24 months in North-West Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe timely introduction of complementary foods during infancy is necessary for nutritional reasons, and to enable the transition from milk feeding to family foods. In the past years, despite efforts that have been put to increase the utilization of timely initiation of complementary feeding practice in Ethiopia, improvements are not satisfactory.ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding and its associated factors among mothers who have Children 6–24 months in Debre Tabor town and rural Farta district, North-west Ethiopia, 2021.MethodsA community-based comparative cross-sectional study was employed from December 1/2020 to 30/ 2020 among 1100 mothers. Data were collected using a structured questioner and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions. Logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval carried out to determine the association between explanatory and the outcome variables. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding among urban and rural mothers was 69.8% with (95% CI: 66%, 74%) and 51.9% with (95% CI: 48- 56%) respectively. Urban residence [AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: (1.02–1.94)], had antenatal care visits [AOR = 0.24 (95%CI: (0.13, 0.44)], had post natal care checkups [AOR = 0.44, 95%CI: (0. 27- 0.72)] and being a governmental employee [AOR = 2.82; 95% CI: (1.91–6.1)] were factors associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding among urban mothers. Whereas in rural settings: institutional delivery [(AOR = 2.21, CI: 1.35–3.65)], post natal care checkups [(AOR = 0.53, CI: (0.36–0.77)] being daily laborer [AOR = 3.47; 95% CI: (1.78–6.75)] were associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding.ConclusionThe prevalence of timely introduction of complementary feeding in children aged 6–24 months is still low in the study areas. There was also disparity between urban and rural mothers in which urban mothers practiced better.

Impact of Suaahara, an at-scale multisectoral nutrition programme, on health workers' maternal and child health, and nutrition knowledge and skills in Nepal.

Suaahara, an at-scale multisectoral nutrition programme in Nepal, aimed to advance knowledge and skills of frontline health workers to improve the quality of nutrition and health services at health facility and community levels. This study assessed the impact of Suaahara interventions on knowledge and skills of health facility workers and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). The study used a quasi-experimental design in which four Suaahara intervention districts were compared with pair-matched comparison districts. One health facility worker and three FCHVs from each survey cluster were included. Baseline survey consisted of 93 health facility workers (2015) and 118 FCHVs (2012), and endline survey (2022) consisted of 40 health facility workers and 120 FCHVs. Difference-in-differences regression models employing intent-to-treat analysis, accounting for clustering at the district level, assessed the impact of intervention. The intervention, relative to comparison, had no effect on health facility workers' knowledge. There was a positive effect, however, on FCHVs' knowledge in intervention relative to comparison areas on exclusive breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary feeding, sick child feeding and growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) for children under 2 years. Health facility workers and FCHVs in intervention versus comparison districts had higher endline scores for skills related to measuring the weight of children and pregnant women, measuring the height/length of children, conducting GMP for children under 2 years and identifying malnourished children. Suaahara interventions improved the capacity of health workers, particularly nutrition-related knowledge among FCHVs and GMP-related skills of both health facility workers and FCHVs.

No time to waste for wasted children in Bihar: time to reset

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) with severe wasting remains a major killer of children. In Bihar, 48% of children are stunted, 21 % are wasted, and 7% are severely wasted. Even during the first six months of life, 31% are wasted. The objective of this study was to study wasting trends and contributing factors responsible for changes in Bihar among children 0-5 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done using a data of NFHS-5 survey in Bihar (N=35,834) conducted in all 38 districts of the state from July, 2019 to February, 2020. The Bihar NFHS-5 report and factsheets, including NFHS-4 data, were downloaded and converted to excel to enable data visualization and trend analysis. The outcome variable Wasting was measured using NFHS-5 relevant questionnaires given under nutrition category. We analyzed trends between NFHS-5 and NFHS-4 Bihar data for severe wasting/wasting, determinants, and coverage of interventions. Results: The prevalence of severe wasting has increased from 7% to 8.8%, while wasting increased from 20.8% to 22.9% (NFHS-5). The severe wasting and wasting has reversed or worsened in 27 districts. There is a mixed picture of infant feeding- early initiation of breastfeeding worsening and some improvements in exclusive breastfeeding and timely introduction of complementary feeding. Consistent improvement across districts for underlying determinants, but slight, in women’s education, teenage pregnancy, and marriage before 18 years. Conclusions: Need to invest in improving maternal determinants-age at marriage, education, ANC coverage, and teenage pregnancy. It is imperative to focus on preventing, identifying, and treating wasting.

Infant feeding practices and body mass index up to 7.5 years in the French nationwide ELFE study.

The infant diet represents one of the main modifiable determinants of early growth. This study aimed to investigate the associations of infant feeding practices with body mass index (BMI) until 7.5 years. Analyses were based on data from the French nationwide ELFE birth cohort. Data on breastfeeding (BF) and complementary feeding (CF) were collected monthly from 2 to 10 months. Infant feeding practices were characterized using principal component analyses (PCA) and hierarchical ascendant classification. BMI z-score was computed at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7.5 years, from data collected in the child's health booklet; 7.5-year overweight was defined according to IOTF references. Associations between infant feeding practices and BMI were investigated by linear regression models adjusted for main confounders. Ever breastfeeding was not associated with BMI up to 7.5 years. Compared to intermediate breastfeeding duration (1 to <3 months), longer breastfeeding duration (≥6 months) was related to lower 1-year BMI, but not at older ages. Compared to the recommended age at CF introduction (4-6 months), early CF (<4 months) was related to higher BMI up to 5 years with a similar trend at 7.5 years, but not to the risk of overweight. The PCA patterns characterized by early baby cereal introduction and late food pieces introduction or by frequent intake of main food groups were related to a lower BMI up to 7.5 years. Breastfeeding was related with a lower BMI in infancy but not thereafter, whereas an early CF initiation (<4 months) was associated with a higher BMI in childhood.

Unveiling the Factors Behind Delayed Introduction of Complementary Feeding and its Impact on Infant Nutrition: A Case Study in Peshawar, Pakistan

Unveiling the Factors Behind Delayed Introduction of Complementary Feeding and its Impact on Infant Nutrition: A Case Study in Peshawar, Pakistan

Determinants of Undernutrition among Children Admitted to a Pediatric Hospital in Port Sudan, Sudan.

Severe acute undernutrition (SAU) is still a crucial global health issue in the 0-59 months population, increasing the risk of mortality as well as of long-term consequences. In Sudan, 3.3 million children suffered from acute malnutrition between 2018 and 2019. This study was planned to evaluate, in the area of Port Sudan, the prevalence of acute undernutrition after the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the most important factors favoring the development of acute undernutrition. The available clinical records of all the under-five children (n = 1012) admitted to the Port Sudan Emergency Pediatric Hospital from 1 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 were analyzed. The presence of wasting and kwashiorkor was assessed and children were categorized according to age, gender, place of residence, main reason for hospitalization, and underlying comorbidities. Acute undernutrition was evidenced in 493 (48.7%) children. Of them, only 16 (3.2%) were diagnosed with kwashiorkor. Children with SAU had a higher prevalence of acute gastroenteritis (p < 0.05) and parasitosis (p < 0.05). Infants aged 0-6 months were those with the lowest risk of undernutrition, whereas those aged 7-12 months were those with the greater risk. In these patients, multivariate analysis revealed that SAU and MAU were 2.5 times (OR 2.51; 95% CI, 1.79-3.55) and 5.5 times (OR 5.56; 95% CI, 2.59-18.7) higher. This study shows that the area of Port Sudan is still suffering from an alarming prevalence of severe wasting and the risk of developing acute undernutrition seems strictly related to the introduction of complementary feeding and tends to reduce with increasing age. Measures already in place to prevent acute malnutrition should be reinforced with improvement of mother education on child feeding.

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.

Barriers and enablers to exclusive breastfeeding by mothers in Polokwane, South Africa.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months, with the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding thereafter, and breastfeeding continuing for up to 2 years and beyond, is highly recommended. This could save the lives of up to 1.4 million children each year worldwide. Despite this, breastfeeding rates in South Africa remain sub-optimal, with the recommended target of 50% by the World Health Assembly (WHA) not being achieved. The study aimed to investigate the reasons influencing mothers' practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the Polokwane municipality of Limpopo province in South Africa. A cross-sectional health facility-based quantitative and descriptive survey was conducted using a validated-structured questionnaire administered to 146 mothers. The data was analyzed using STATA. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationship between selected demographic variables and their reasons not to breastfeed exclusively. Although 94% of the mothers had initiated breastfeeding, at the time of data collection 8% had stopped. Of those who had stopped breastfeeding, 5% did so within one month of starting. Thirty- nine percent of mothers' breastfed exclusively, while 61% practiced mixed feeding. A positive association between exclusive breastfeeding practices and the age of the mother were observed, with older mothers more likely to breastfeed. The reasons mothers stopped breastfeeding were: the mother was ill (45%) or they returned to school or work (27%). Reasons for not breastfeeding were cited as: medical conditions, not enough milk, and infant refusal to breastfeed (33%). Mothers believe that HIV-positive women should breastfeed their infants (57%), and health workers were found to be the main source of HIV information to mothers (77%). Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months was less practiced. Infant formula and solid foods were introduced at an early age, usually within the first month of breastfeeding. This study sheds light on factors influencing the early initiation of breastfeeding and the practice of EBF as practiced in Polokwane.

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

Complementary feeding indicators from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health: agreement analysis and comparison of estimated prevalence in a cohort of children in southwestern Bahia, Brazil, 2018.

To assess the agreement between complementary feeding indicators established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) and to compare the prevalence of these indicators in the first year of a child's life. : This was a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 286 children from Vitória da Conquista, state of Bahia, Brazil; agreement between indicators and comparison between prevalences were analyzed using the Kappa coefficient and McNemar's test; the prevalence of the indicators "introduction of complementary feeding" (ICF), "minimum dietary diversity" (MDD), "minimum meal frequency" (MMF) and "minimum acceptable diet" (MAD) were calculated. : Three indicators showed poor agreement, with only one demonstrating moderate agreement; prevalence of WHO indicators was higher than that of the MOH (ICF, 94.3% vs. 20.7%; MDD, 75.2% vs. 50.7%; MMF, 97.2% vs. 44.8%; MAD, 96.8% vs. 26.9%). The majority of indicators showed poor agreement and the prevalence of WHO indicators exceeded that of the Ministry of Health.

Comparison of the introduction of consistencies in complementary feeding introduction between preterm and full-term newborns - Cohort from 0 to 12 months.

To compare the introduction of consistencies during the period of complementary feeding of preterm and full-term newborns up to 12 months of life, as well as to evaluate the presence of oral motor dysfunction and its relation to difficulty in introducing food consistencies in these groups. This is an observational, analytical, cohort study, with ambispective data collection, carried out at the Municipal Department of Health of Mafra, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 87 newborns, 41 full-term and 46 preterm. While data was collected, interviews were held with the mothers/guardians. The anthropometric assessment was carried out by a nutritionist by measuring body weight, length, and head circumference, followed by assessment of oral and functional motor skills by the adapted Clinical Evaluation Protocol of Pediatric Dysphagia (PAD-PED), assessment of breastfeeding and neuropsychomotor development, and assessment of the presence of maternal depression and psychological risk of children with up to 12 months of corrected age. We verified oral motor dysfunction in 15 newborns, in both groups, in the liquid consistency in the first assessment, persisting in two cases in the full-term newborns and in three cases in the preterm infants, in the last assessment for the solid consistency. We observed no difference in the introduction of food consistencies between groups. Breastfeeding was more frequent in newborns in the first assessment and similar in other assessments. Regarding the predictors for oral motor dysfunction, bottle feeding increased the odds by about seven times and invasive oral procedures by about six times.

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&lt;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

Breastfeeding in primiparous women – expectations and reality: a prospective questionnaire survey

BackgroundBreastfeeding provides the optimal nutrition for infants and offers numerous benefits for both mother and child. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life and the introduction of complementary feeding between the fifth and seventh months of life. There is a discrepancy between breastfeeding recommendations and the actual duration of breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to analyse breastfeeding behaviour in primiparous women in order to be able to provide support for mothers.MethodsIn this prospective, questionnaire-based study conducted between 2020 and 2022, primiparous women were asked to complete three questionnaires at three defined survey time points (routine prepartum presentation, postpartum hospitalization, completed sixth month of life).ResultsA total of 140 women were included and returned all three questionnaires. Fifty-eight percent performed breastfeeding exclusively at least until their baby had reached the age of 6 months, whereas 20% already stopped within the first 6 months. The main reasons given for early cessation were insufficient milk supply and inadequate infant weight gain. A comprehensive level of prepartum knowledge had a significant positive effect on participants’ sense of confidence with breastfeeding. Sociodemographic factors such as age and educational level were also associated with breastfeeding behaviour, but significant corresponding differences in the duration of breastfeeding were not observed. Women with postpartum midwifery care breastfed significantly longer (p < 0.05).ConclusionsBreastfeeding behaviour and duration are influenced by multiple factors. Although certain sociodemographic factors are unalterable, comprehensive prepartum knowledge transfer and postpartum midwifery care have a positive impact on breastfeeding behaviour.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) on 6 December 2022 (DRKS00030763).

Description of Complementary Feeding Practice and Nutritional Study of Stunted Childern (6 – 24 months) on Wilangan Health Center, Nganjuk District

The prevalence of stunting among toddlers in Nganjuk District is &gt;20%, and it is a nutritional problem in the community. The aim of this research is to determine the description of complementary feeding practices for stunted toddlers (aged 6-24 months) in the Wilangan Sub-district. The research design employed is cross-sectional, where independent and dependent variables are collected at relatively the same time. The study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023. This is a descriptive study with 28 stunting children as samples using the total sampling method. Data collection of complementary feeding practices was conducted through interviews, while nutritional status by measured height. The study showed less than 50% of infants received exclusive breastfeeding and timely introduction of complementary feeding at 6 months, but more than 60% did not follow the proper principles of complementary feeding between ages 12 - 24 months. As the age increases the inaccuracy of complementary feeding is getting bigger and this affects the occurence of stunting childern. Therefore, its recommended that mothers of toddlers more active in increasing their knowledge about providing appropriate complementary feeding for their children according to their age stages, with the assistance of community health workers and healthcare personnel.

Nutritional Status and its Association with Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices Among Children visiting Tertiary Care Health Centre

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of children (up to 2 years of age) visiting the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) Karachi and to determine its association with breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Outpatient Department, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan to Jun 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Children aged 1 to 24 months were included. Demographic information, weight, height, weight for height and grade of malnutrition using WHO criteria were checked and categorized as median, -1S.D, -2S.D, -3SD and -4 SD. Face-to-face interview with the mother was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire based on WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding guidelines to find out the breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices of the mother.&#x0D; Results: A total of 355 children were enrolled with a mean age of 9.18±5.90 months. Median SD was attained by 65(18.3%) children, 177(49.9%) infants lied within -1SD(mild malnutrition), 77(21.4%) within -2SD(moderate malnutrition) while 36(10.1%) had severe malnutrition including 26(7.3%) within -3SD and 10(2.8%) within -4SD. Exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months had a significantly lower frequency of severe malnourishment (p-value&lt;0.001). Complimentary feeding practices, including the age of initiation, dietary diversity and food frequency, also had a significant association with nutritional status (p-value&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Inappropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding lead to poor health and malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding till six months and the introduction of complementary feeding on time with adequate diversity and frequency are critical to the infant’s health.

Faktor Determinan Stunting pada Balita : Tinjauan Literatur

Stunting is a condition of inhibited or stunted body growth caused by chronic malnutrition that is not addressed properly and promptly. Stunting is one of the nutritional problems that occur worldwide, including in Indonesia. There are many factors that can cause stunting. The purpose of this study is to review the factors that can lead to stunting in toddlers.The study was conducted by conducting a literature review through searching relevant articles from various electronic databases (Google Scholar, DOAJ, Pubmed, portal garuda) using keywords such as "stunting," "toddler," "determinant factors," "stunting incidence," "factors of stunting occurrence," and "stunted toddlers." A total of 11 articles were found with a time limit from 2017 to 2022, and then a thorough analysis was carried out.The results of this study indicate that factors contributing to stunting in toddlers include low maternal education and mothers' inadequate knowledge regarding meeting their children's nutritional needs, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, inappropriate introduction of complementary feeding according to age, a history of infectious diseases such as Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and recurrent diarrhea, poor environmental sanitation, and low socioeconomic status in fulfilling children's nutritional needs.Appropriate and effective management is required to address the issue of stunting so that it does not become a factor that hinders children's growth and development in the future.&#x0D; Keywords: stunting, toddlers, determinant factors

Complementary feeding practices are related to the risk of food allergy in the ELFE cohort.

Conflicting results have been obtained when analyzing the relationship between complementary feeding (CF) practices and allergic diseases in childhood. This study aims to further explore the association between allergic diseases in early childhood (10.1016/j.jaci.2012.02.036) and the age at CF introduction (10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00149-X), food diversity in the first year of life (10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.109759) and the delayed introduction of major allergenic foods. This analysis focused on 6662 children from the French nationwide ELFE cohort. Data on feeding practices were collected monthly from 3 to 10 months old. Their age at CF introduction was calculated alongside a diversity score, and the number of major allergenic foods (out of eggs, fish, wheat, and dairy products) not introduced at 8 and 10 months. Their associations with parent-reported allergy-related health events between 1 and 5.5 years were assessed using logistic regressions adjusted for confounding factors. A sensitivity analysis excluding early allergic cases (occurring between 2 months and 1 or 2 years) was conducted. Late CF (>6 months) was related to a higher risk of food allergy (OR [95% CI] = 1.35 [1.02; 1.78]), a low diversity score at 8 months to a higher risk of asthma (OR [95% CI] = 1.22 [1.01; 1.48]), and two allergenic foods or more not being introduced at 10 months to a higher risk of rhinoconjunctivitis (OR [95% CI] = 1.20 [1.00; 1.44]) and food allergy (OR [95% CI] = 2.46 [1.77; 3.42]). Only this last association remained significant after the exclusion of early cases. The delayed introduction of major allergenic foods is related to a higher risk of food allergy, which supports the updated guidelines for allergy prevention.

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.

Complementary Feeding Practice and Nutritional Status of Children Between 6-23 Months Attending Pediatric OPD of Bharatpur Hospital Chitwan

Background: Malnutrition is responsible directly or indirectly for over half of all childhood deaths. Infants and young children are higher risk of malnutrition from six months of age onwards. The aim of the present study was to assess the complementary feeding practice and nutritional status of children between 6-23 months attending pediatric OPD of Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal.&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional, study was conducted among 333 mothers and their children aged 6-23 months from July to November 2022. The data was collected through semi-structured interview schedule from mothers along with infant anthropometric measurement. The data was analyzed in SPSS 26 version.&#x0D; Results: Overall prevalence of malnutrition was 46%. Among them the prevalence of wasting, stunting and under-weight were 35.29%, 32.67% and 32.02%, respectively. There were significant association between the education qualification, occupation of mother, type of delivery, number of children, timely introduction of complementary feeding, egg consumption, and on demand breastfeeding with wasting.&#x0D; Conclusions: Quiet practice of complementary feeding and noticeable prevalence of malnutrition were found among children 6-23 months of age children. These outcomes focus the need to increase the complementary feeding practices ultimately improve the nutritional status of children.

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.