Feeding Practices Research Articles

EDUCATION ON FEEDING INFANTS AND CHILDREN ON KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF MOTHERS IN FEEDING WASTING CHILDREN

The high incidence of wasting is caused by lack of nutrition in children, thus affecting the growth and development of childr en. Thepurpose to analyze feeding education in infants and children on the knowledge and behavior of mothers in feeding wasting ch ildren.The design of this study was pre-experimental with a one group pretest posttest design approach, the sample was mothers of wastingtoddlers as many as 30 respondents, using purposive sampling techniques. The independent variable was infant and child feedingeducation and the dependent variable was knowledge and behavior, using extension event unit instruments, leaflets andquestionnaires, data analysis using Paired T-test. The increase in knowledge was marked by a difference in the total mean value of23.87 and maternal behavior and a total difference in the mean value of 21.7 after education. The results of statistical tests obtainedρ-values of 0.000< 0.05 and a fairly strong correlation of 0.568 knowledge variables and 0.413 on behavioral variables means thatthere is a strong enough influence between education on knowledge and behavior. Counseling activities can help mothers gainunderstanding and practical skills in infant and child feeding practices so as to prevent wasting.

ICU Nurses’ Performance and Perception of Tube Feeding

Background: Tube feeding is one of the supportive feeding methods for patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). However, tube feeding used in ICUs has received less attention compared to other care procedures. Therefore, assessing nurses’ perceptions and performance is essential, as they play a vital role in the correct practice of tube feeding and the prevention of its complications for patients. Objectives: The present study examined ICU nurses’ performance and perceptions of tube feeding in teaching hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 83 nurses working in the ICUs of hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, the Nurses’ Perceptions of Tube Feeding Scale, and the Tube Feeding Performance Evaluation Checklist. Data analysis was performed with SPSS-21 software using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test. Results: The findings showed that the average work experience of ICU nurses was 6.28 ± 4.59 years. The mean overall performance score of the nurses was 59.62 ± 4.17, and the overall score of the nurses’ perception of tube feeding was 10.43 ± 1.66 out of 14, confirming the ICU nurses’ positive perception of tube feeding. Conclusions: The findings suggested that ICU nurses’ perception of tube feeding was positive and higher than average, but their performance was lower than average. Given the importance of nutrition for patients admitted to the ICU and the crucial role of nurses, it is essential that ICU nurses perform tube feeding optimally and in compliance with pertinent procedures and standards.

Optimizing animal care through compound feed management in Saudi Arabia

Proper animal feeding practices play a fundamental role in enhancing livestock health and maximizing output. Given the governmental restrictions on green fodder cultivation in Saudi Arabia (SA) due to water conservation efforts, the use of compound feed could serve as a viable alternative for livestock farmers. This study aimed to investigate livestock farmers' farming objectives, their feeding management strategies, and the uptake of compound feed in the country. Data from 650 randomly selected livestock farmers were collected through an online survey with the assistance of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The findings showed that most farmers raised sheep and goats for trade purposes using specialized farms and desert grazing. Alfalfa hay was widely used as a fodder along with barley grain. While approximately 47% of the farmers did not utilize compound feed, 44% reported its usage. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that formal education, farming experience, and income level significantly influenced the adoption of compound feed among livestock farmers. These results underscore the critical role of education and financial resources in promoting the use of compound feed among livestock farmers in SA. It is recommended that government institutions should develop initiatives to educate farmers on proper animal nutrition practices and provide financial support to make compound feed more affordable for low-income farmers. The widespread use of compound feed has the potential to enhance livestock health and productivity, thereby positively contributing to the food security of SA.

Feeding Practices of Infants and Young Children in Pokhara Metropolitan City.

For children to grow and develop normally, appropriate feeding practices are essential, especially in the first two years of their lives. These practices can vary depending on the different sociodemographic factors. This study aims to study the feeding practices of infants and young children in different wards of Pokhara Metropolitan City. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted and 280 mothers of infants and young children 0-23 months of age were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered and cleaned in Ms-Excel and then exported to SPSS version 21.0 for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to find the association of feeding practices with different independent variables. Only 32.3% of children 0-5 months of age were found to be appropriately breastfed, and 41.8% of children 6-23 months of age were found to have appropriate complementary feeding practices. Children delivered by normal vaginal delivery (AOR 18.118, p < 0.01, 95% CI 3.831 - 85.689) were more likely to have appropriate breastfeeding practices than those delivered by caesarean section. Children of birth order two or more (AOR 2.226, p = 0.016, 95% CI 1.171 - 4.620) and living in nuclear families (AOR 2.488, p = 0.013, 95% CI 1.120 - 5.116) were found to have appropriate complementary feeding practices. This study concludes that the feeding practices of the majority of the infants and young children in Pokhara are not adequate as per the WHO and UNICEF standards.

Feeding Variation Among Infants in Acute Care Cardiology Units.

Infants with heart disease are at high risk of feeding difficulties and complications. Feeding practices amongst acute care cardiology units are not standardized. This study aims to describe feeding practices for infants at the time of discharge from a Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3) center and practice variation between centers. Discharge encounters for infants in the PAC3 registry between February 2019 and October 2021 were included. Nutrition type and feeding route at discharge were summarized with descriptive statistics and a modified bump plot. Center variation was assessed using funnel plots with control limits set at the 99.9% confidence interval from the group mean. A total of 15,414 encounters across 24 PAC3 centers were recorded from 8313 unique patients (median encounters 1, range 1-25). Nutrition at discharge consisted of standard formula in 8368 (54%), human milk in 6300 (41%), and elemental formula in 3230 (21%), either alone or in combination. Feeds were fortified to ≥ 24kcal/oz in 12,359 (80%). Discharge supplemental tube feeding was present in 7353 (48%) encounters with 4643 (63%) receiving continuous feeds, 2144 (29%) bolus feeds, and 566 (8%) a combination. Funnel plots demonstrated variability in nutrition type and feeding route at discharge. Infants with heart disease commonly require high calorie nutrition and supplemental tube feedings at discharge. Feeding strategies at discharge vary widely between PAC3 centers. Collaborative approaches to identify best practices in feeding strategies are needed.

Factors associated with infant and young child feeding practices in children aged 6–23 months in Indonesia: A nationwide study

IntroductionChildren-related nutrition raises significant attention due to the low implementation of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. However, the factors affecting the low implementation of IYCF remains limited globally. This study aimed to identify factors influencing IYCF in children aged 6–23 months in Indonesia. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 4943 responses were included. We employed binary logistic regression to determine the factors affecting IYCF practices in children aged 6–23 months. The results are reported as odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a significance level of p < 0.05. ResultsSeveral factors significantly influenced IYCF practices among children aged 6–23 months, including the age of the child (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.27–0.65), middle wealth index (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.12–3.08), regional disparities (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23–0.77), place of residence (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.17–2.68), and a history of childhood diseases like fever (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.05–2.58). ConclusionThis study highlights the significance of various factors related to IYCF practices among children aged 6–23 months. These factors include maternal aspects such as wealth index, child-related factors like age, a history of childhood illnesses such as fever, and environmental factors such as regional disparities and place of residence. Practice implicationsPaediatric nurses can contribute to enhancing maternal knowledge by providing education on the importance of infant and child feeding practices, beginning early in the child's life.

Investigating femoral growth disruption in subadults from the 10th-13th century St. Étienne cemetery of Toulouse, France.

The skeleton embodies an individual's environment and lived experiences. Studying childhood growth disruption can, therefore, aid in understanding the experiences of children in the past. This study evaluates growth disruption in a medieval Toulousian subadult sample to explore factors that may have influenced childhood growth and mortality at this site and to assess the utility of Harris line (HL) interpretations in bioarchaeology. Femoral growth disruption was assessed in n = 71 subadults (0.125-12.42 years) from the 10th-13th century St. Étienne cemetery of Toulouse, France, using femoral length, total area, cortical area, and relative cortical area. Femoral radiographs were assessed for HLs. To determine the prevalence of growth disruption, z-scores were calculated using data from the Denver growth study. The majority of subadults in this sample suffered from femoral growth disruption. Young children (1.0-3.99 years) were the most affected, with >65% experiencing reduced appositional growth and linear growth stunting at time-of-death. Additionally, while many individuals presented with observable HLs, linear and appositional growth did not significantly differ between individuals with and without HLs. Maternal malnutrition and inadequate complementary feeding practices likely contributed to the high prevalence of growth disruption among the youngest individuals in the study. The older children and adolescents buried at St. Étienne experienced an amelioration in growth deficits, indicating an improvement in nutrition and/or disease load. The results of this study suggest that more consideration is required when interpreting the presence/absence of HLs, and that studies assessing HLs may benefit from using a more individualistic approach.

Maternal depressive symptom trajectories and associations with child feeding

BackgroundResponsive feeding, when caregivers attend to children’s signals of hunger and satiation and respond in an emotionally supportive and developmentally appropriate way, is associated with the development of healthy eating behaviors, improved diet quality, and healthy weight status for children. However, gaps in the literature remain on how factors, such as maternal depressive symptoms and child temperament, influence feeding interactions.MethodsThis longitudinal secondary data analysis explored the association between maternal depressive symptom trajectory and child temperament with maternal feeding practices in women with obesity who participated in a prenatal lifestyle intervention trial. Mothers self-reported depressive symptoms at baseline, 35 weeks gestation, and 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum. At 18- and 24-months postpartum, mothers completed self-reported assessments of feeding practices and child temperament and completed in-home video-recorded meals with their child, coded using the Responsiveness to Child Feeding Cues Scale. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms and generalized regressions to assess the association between symptom trajectory group and feeding. We also explored interactions between depressive symptoms and child temperament.ResultsThree distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were identified: No-Minimal and Decreasing, Mild-Moderate and Stable, and Moderate-Severe and Stable. At 18-months, when compared to the No-Minimal and Decreasing group, membership in the Moderate-Severe and Stable group was associated with higher observed responsiveness to child satiation cues (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B$$\\end{document} =2.3, 95%CI = 0.2, 4.4) and lower self-reported pressure to eat (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B$$\\end{document}=-0.4, 95%CI= -0.7, 0.0). When compared to the No-Minimal and Decreasing group, membership in the Mild-Moderate and Stable group was associated with higher self-reported restriction (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B$$\\end{document} =0.4, 95%CI = 0.0,0.7). The associations between trajectory group membership and feeding practices did not reach statistical significance at 24 months. Associations between depressive symptoms and restriction were moderated by child effortful control at 18 months \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(B=0.2, 95\\% CI (0.0, 04)$$\\end{document}) and surgency at 24 months \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B=-0.3, 95\\% CI (-0.6, 0.0)$$\\end{document}).ConclusionA Moderate-Severe and Stable depressive symptom trajectory was associated with more responsive feeding practices and a Mild-Moderate and Stable trajectory was associated with higher restrictive feeding. Preliminary evidence suggests that depressive symptoms impact mothers’ ability to match their use of restriction to the temperamental needs of their child.

Geospatial pattern of level of minimum acceptable diet and its determinants among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia. Spatial and multiscale geographically weighted regression analysis.

Despite prior progress and the proven benefits of optimal feeding practices, improving child dietary intake in developing countries like Ethiopia remains challenging. In Ethiopia, over 89% of children fail to meet the minimum acceptable diet. Understanding the geographical disparity and determinants of minimum acceptable diet can enhance child feeding practices, promoting optimal child growth. Spatial and multiscale geographically weighted regression analysis was conducted among 1,427 weighted sample children aged 6-23 months. ArcGIS Pro and SatScan version 9.6 were used to map the visual presentation of geographical distribution failed to achieve the minimum acceptable diet. A multiscale geographically weighted regression analysis was done to identify significant determinants of level of minimum acceptable diet. The statistical significance was declared at P-value <0.05. Overall, 89.56% (95CI: 87.85-91.10%) of children aged 6-23 months failed to achieve the recommended minimum acceptable diet. Significant spatial clustering was detected in the Somali, Afar regions, and northwestern Ethiopia. Children living in primary clusters were 3.6 times more likely to be unable to achieve the minimum acceptable diet (RR = 3.61, LLR =13.49, p < 0.001). Mother's with no formal education (Mean = 0.043, p-value = 0.000), family size above five (Mean = 0.076, p-value = 0.005), No media access (Mean = 0.059, p-value = 0.030), home delivery (Mean = 0.078, p-value = 0.002), and no postnatal checkup (Mean = 0.131, p-value = 0.000) were found to be spatially significant determinants of Inadequate minimum acceptable diet. Level of minimum acceptable diet among children in Ethiopia varies geographically. Therefore, to improve child feeding practices in Ethiopia, it is highly recommended to deploy additional resources to high-need areas and implement programs that enhance women's education, maternal healthcare access, family planning, and media engagement.

Early and exclusive enteral nutrition in infants born very preterm

ObjectiveTo characterise the effects of early and exclusive enteral nutrition with either maternal or donor milk in infants born very preterm (280/7–326/7 weeks of gestation).DesignParallel-group, unmasked randomised controlled trial.SettingRegional, tertiary...

New York state, regional and county level nitrogen and phosphorus balances for harvested cropland

New York (NY) state is one of five states that collectively produce &amp;gt;50% of the annual milk supply within the United States. The local environment allows farmers to integrate crop and livestock systems, facilitating cycling of manure nutrients back to cropland. Thus, dairy provides NY with benefits, opportunities, and challenges in terms of environmental sustainability, climate resiliency, and a circular agricultural economy. Improved balancing of crop nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) needs and supply with manure and fertilizer, is key for a circular agricultural economy. The objectives of this study were to calculate and evaluate (1) regional and county level N and P balances of harvested cropland; and (2) contribution of manure to a circular agricultural economy for NY. Nutrient balances were calculated for 2017 (most recent Census year) as the difference in the amount of nutrient input through purchased fertilizer and recoverable manure, and the amount removed in harvested crops. Atmospheric N deposition and legume N fixation, and manure nutrient losses during collection, transfer, storage, and treatment were estimated too. The 2017 P balance was 10 kg P ha−1 (9 lb. P ac−1). The N balance was between 39 kg N ha−1 (35 lb. N ac−1) and 95 kg N ha−1 (85 lb. N ac−1), depending on the proportion of legume cropland assumed to receive manure. Redistribution and application of manure to meet P-removal on non-legume cropland only leaves a surplus of 3 kg P ha−1 (3 lb. P ac−1). Applying surplus manure to legume and non-legume cropland results in a slight, state-level, P deficit. In both scenarios, the large N deficit that cannot be met through legume N fixation alone indicates purchased fertilizer is required. These results show NY’s ability to capitalize on the value of manure without excessive risk to the environment. Greater circularity of agricultural production in NY will need to consider benefits and trade-offs of applying manure to legume cropland. As milk production increases in the state, implementation of advanced manure treatment, storage, and manure application and livestock feeding practices will be needed to increase the circularity and sustainability of the agricultural sector in NY.

The effects of parent-child dysfunctional interactions on early childhood weight: A serial mediation model through emotional feeding and child appetite traits

Parent-child dysfunctional interactions (PCDI) are known to contribute to children's weight status. However, the underlying mechanisms in how dysfunctional interactions between parent and child influence child weight are not clear. This study investigates the impact of PCDI on toddlers' weight, focusing on the potential serial mediation by maternal emotional feeding and child appetite traits. We conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from a larger intervention trial to prevent childhood obesity in low-income Hispanic families. A total of 241 mother-child dyads were included in these analyses. Measurements were taken at various stages: PCDI at child age 19 months, maternal emotional feeding at 28 months, and both child appetite traits and weight-for-age z-score (WFAz) at 36 months. Serial mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect of early PCDI on later child WFAz through maternal emotional feeding and two child food approach traits (food responsiveness, emotional overeating) out of the eight child appetite traits assessed. PCDI at 19 months was associated with increased use of emotional feeding in mothers at 28 months, which was associated with heightened food responsiveness and emotional overeating in children at 36 months, which in turn was linked to greater child WFAz at 36 months. The findings of this study expand the understanding of the mechanisms underlying PCDI and child weight, emphasizing the interplay between maternal feeding practices and child appetite in the context of adverse parent-child interactions during early childhood.

Evaluation of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers of Children Aged 0 to 59 Months in the Rural Commune of Sinder, Tillabery, Niger

Feeding practices play a major role in the nutritional status of children (WHO/UNICEF, 2009). The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 0 to 59 months in the rural commune of Sinder. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, which involved a representative and random sample of mothers of children aged 0 to 59 months. A questionnaire was completed through a structured interview. The data were collected with ODK software then analyzed with SPSS and Epi Info version 7.2 software. A total of 250 mother/child couples were enrolled. About 58% of newborns receive breast milk as their first food and 42% received pre-lacteal fluids. The majority of children are put to the breast early, including 55.2% immediately after birth and 34.4% within the next 24 hours, but 10.4% wait more than 24 hours. 66.4% of mothers say they have been made aware of EBF practices by health workers and 33.6% by those close to the mother. Around 37% of mothers say they do not believe in the nutritional and health benefits of EBF. Only 44% of infants receive EBF up to 6 months. The average duration of EBF is 4.4± 2.77 months. Among children receiving other foods in addition to breast milk before their sixth month, 56% receive water, 32.8% receive a herbal decoction, 45.6% take family meals, 50.4% drink the porridge. The practice of EBF in the rural commune of Sinder is suboptimal.

The Relationship of Mother's Nutritional Knowledge and the Practice of Giving Complete ASI Food (MP-ASI) To Toddler Age 6-12 Months at Bpm Ernah South Cimahi Coffee Garden

Malnutrition in children can be caused by the mother's attitude or behavior in inappropriate feeding practices. This occurs because mothers' knowledge and skills regarding food, nutrition and practices in feeding children are still low. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge and the practice of giving MP-ASI to toddlers aged 6-12 months at BPM Ernah Kebon Kopi Cimahi. The type of research is descriptive analytic with a cross sectional approach, sampling using proportional sampling. The research sample was 69 mothers who had toddlers aged 6-12 months. Data on maternal nutritional knowledge and practice of providing MP-ASI were obtained by interview using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Analysis of the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable using Chi Square. The level of nutritional knowledge of respondents was high at 46 people (66.7%) and the practice of providing MP-ASI was carried out well by 41 people (59.4%). The research results showed that there was a relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge and the practice of providing MP-ASI (p&lt;0.05). It is hoped that PBM Ernah Kebon Kopi Cimahi will be more active in providing information through outreach and counseling to cadres and the community, especially mothers with toddlers, about improving nutrition and skills in the practice of providing MP-ASI.

Herbage Yield, Nutritional Quality of Desho Grass (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pennisetum glaucifolium&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Mixed with Stylo and Silverleaf Desmodium at Assosa, Western Ethiopia

The study was conducted during the main cropping season of 2019/2020 at Assosa in Benishangul-Gumuz regional state. The aim of the study was to evaluate herbage dry matter yield, nutritional quality and biological compatibility of desho grass mixed with Stylo and Desmodium. The treatments included two legume species (Stylosanthes guyanensis and Desmodium unicinatum) and desho grass with four levels of seed proportions (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%) of the recommended seeding rates of the two legume forages. Randomized complete block design with four replications was used. The results revealed that number of tillers per plant (NTPP), plant height (PH) and leaf to stem ratio (LSR), plot cover and vigor score percentage, dry matter yield (DMY) tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, and the quality parameters such as, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent Lignin (ADL), In-vitro Dry matter Digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein yield (CPY) tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; were significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) differed among the different seed proportions of desho grass with legume mixtures. The highest total dry matter yield (11.05 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) was obtained from the sole desho grass planted with Nitrogen fertilizer followed by sole desho grass planted without fertilizer (10.17 t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1 &amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) from the mixed cropping groups mixed crop containing 75% desho grass and 25% Stylo gives a higher total dry mater yield (7.44 tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). On the other hand desmodium sown in pure stands had lower DMY compared to legume-grass mixtures (3.37tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). In terms of quality, increasing the seed proportions of both legume species in the mixture resulted in higher CP%, CPY (tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and IVDMD% and lower NDF%, ADF% and ADL% contents. Relative yield total of desho grass-legume mixtures at Desho&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;75 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Stylo&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;25 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;(1.43), Desho&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;50 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Desmodium &amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;50 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;(1.39) and Desho&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;25 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Stylo&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;75 &amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;(1.33) were better compared to the other mixtures and pure stands. Generally, mixing of desho grass with legume species at different seed proportions of 75% desho grass: 25% stylo and 50% desho grass: 50% Stylo produced better dry matter yield, nutritional quality and compatibility in the study area when compared to the mixed cropped plants. However, the experiment should be conducted for more years at different locations to recommend the best desho grass legume mixtures for Assosa area of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State. It is also suggested to do on animal performance trial of this result based on animal feeding practice and economic feasibility in order to come up with sound recommendations.

Weight in relation to feeding practice among two years old children in Al-Hillah City

Background: Babies and young children require adequate and high-quality nutrition to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. Breast milk is a baby's healthiest option because it contains all the essential nutrients they need, and it has long been known that breastfeeding is good for both mom and baby. Objectives: To determine the relationship between mothers' feeding practices and child weight status under two years old. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was carried out at Babylon Teaching Hospital for maternity and children and Al Nour Hospital, which was applied from December 2019 to the end of February 2020 as a period for data collection. The sample consisted of (150) mothers admitted with their infants in pediatric wards. The instrument was adopted and finally constructed after an extensive literature review to be ready for data collection and consumed 15-20 minutes with each participant. Results: The study indicated that (76.7%) of mothers have bad feeding practices regarding child feeding, whereas (23.3%) have good feeding practices. In addition to other significant results, our study demonstrates a considerable positive relationship between the mode of feeding and a child's weight. Conclusions: The vast majority of mothers have bad child-feeding practices. There was a significant correlation between the type of feeding and infant weight and a strong association between the mother’s feeding practice and child weight. Keywords: Weight, Feeding practice, Two Years Old Children, Effects, Relation.

Effect of nutrition assessment, counselling and support integration on mother-infant nutritional status, practices and health in Tororo and Butaleja districts, Uganda: A comparative non-equivalent quasi-experimental study

BackgroundMalnutrition remains a health challenge for women aged 15 to 49 years and their infants. While Nutrition Assessment Counselling and Support (NACS) is considered a promising strategy, evidence of its effectiveness remains scanty. This study assessed the effect of the comprehensive NACS package on the mother-infant practices, health and nutrition outcomes in two districts in Eastern Uganda.MethodsA comparative non-equivalent quasi-experimental design was employed with two groups; Comprehensive NACS (Tororo) and Routine NACS (Butaleja). Pregnant mothers were enrolled spanning various trimesters and followed through the antenatal periods and post-delivery to monitor their health and nutrition status. Infants were followed for feeding practices, health and nutritional status at birth and weeks 6, 10, 14 and at months 6, 9 and 12 post-delivery. Propensity score matching ensured study group comparability. The NACS effect was estimated by nearest neighbour matching and the logistic regression methods. Statistical analysis utilised STATA version 15 and R version 4.1.1.ResultsA total of 666/784 (85%) with complete data were analysed (routine: 412, comprehensive: 254). Both groups were comparable by mothers’ age, Mid Upper Arm Circumference, prior antenatal visits, meal frequency, micronutrient supplementation and instances of maternal headache, depression and diarrhoea. However, differences existed in gestation age, income, family size, education and other living conditions. Comprehensive NACS infants exhibited higher infant birth weights, weight-for-age z-scores at the 3rd -6th visits (p < 0.001), length-for-age z scores at the 4th -7th visits (p < 0.001) and weight-for-length z-scores at the 3rd − 5th (p < = 0.001) visits. Despite fewer episodes of diarrhoea and fever, upper respiration infections were higher.ConclusionsThe comprehensive NACS demonstrated improved mother-infant nutritional and other health outcomes suggesting the need for integrated and holistic care for better maternal, infant and child health.

Maternal concern and perception about child overweight risk, maternal feeding practices, and child eating behaviors: A cross-sectional study.

Abundant efforts have been directed to understand the global obesity epidemic and related obesogenic behaviors. However, the relationships of maternal concern and perception about child weight with child eating behaviors in Saudi Arabia have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations of maternal concern and perception about child overweight risk with maternal feeding practices and child eating behaviors among mothers and their children in Saudi Arabia. Mothers of 115 children aged 3-5 years old were recruited from eight preschools. Child eating behaviors (enjoyment of food, responsiveness to foods, food fussiness, satiety responsiveness, and slowness in eating) and maternal feeding practices (restriction, monitoring, and using food as a reward), maternal concern about child weight, and maternal perception about child overweight risk were assessed using validated questionnaires. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for maternal body mass index (BMI) and child's BMI-z score and sex, were tested to examine the independent associations of maternal concern and perception about child overweight risk with child eating behaviors and maternal feeding practices. Maternal concern about child weight was positively associated with food enjoyment in children (B = 0.14 [95% confidence intervals = 0.02,0.27]) and responsiveness to food (B = 0.16 [0.03,0.29]), whereas a negative association with child food fussiness was observed (B = -0.19 [-0.33, -0.04]). Maternal perception about child overweight risk and child slowness in eating were negatively associated (B = -0.72 [-0.16 to -0.28]). Maternal concern and perception about child overweight risk were not associated with maternal feeding practices. In conclusion, maternal concern and perception about child overweight risk were found to be associated with food approach eating behavior traits but not with maternal feeding practices. Mothers who are concerned about child weight or perceive their children as overweight may need guidance and support to promote healthy eating behaviors among their children. Future cross-cultural studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms for the influence of maternal concern and perception about child overweight risk on maternal feeding practices, child eating behaviors, and weight status of children.

Early feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohort

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate if the duration of breastfeeding and the method at initiation of complementary feeding affect eating behaviour in children aged 3−6 years. This is a cross‐sectional analysis from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study project, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study that aims to identify childhood obesity risk factors in Spanish children. A total of 1215 children aged 3−6 years were included. Breastfeeding duration and the method of initiation of complementary feeding [baby‐led weaning (BLW), traditional/spoon or mixed method] were evaluated. Eating behaviour at 3−6 years was assessed with the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess the association between the aforementioned exposures and eating behaviour.Children breastfed for ≥4 months were less likely to be fussy eaters at 3−6 years compared to those breastfed for &lt;1 month (OR: 0.86 95% CI: 0.76−0.98; p = 0.031). Compared to those children using the traditional/spoon‐feeding method, those initiating complementary feeding through BLW or through a mixed approach were more likely to have higher scores on the enjoyment of food (EF) (OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.13−1.57; p = 0.001 and 1.17, 1.05−1.30; p = 0.002, respectively) and lower scores on food fussiness (FF) at 3−6 years (0.76, 0.62−0.91; p = 0.004 and 0.87, 0.78−0.98; p = 0.033, respectively). Breastfeeding for ≥4 months and initiation of complementary feeding with the BLW and a mixed approach were associated with greater EF and lower FF, which should endure practice.

Impact of parent child interaction therapy on child eating behaviors

BackgroundPicky eating commonly co-occurs with disruptive behaviors in young children. While feeding interventions exist, it remains unknown whether unmodified behavioral parent training (BPT) improves maladaptive child eating. As coercive feeding practices may exacerbate picky eating, BPT could ameliorate associated behaviors by increasing authoritative parenting. MethodsCaregiver-child dyads (N = 194, ages 2–8) received 18 weeks of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Caregivers completed the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment. The BPFAS overall picky eating frequency and number of problems was examined, as well as the subscale of mealtime misbehaviors, and overall caregiver feeding practices. ResultsFrom pre-to post-treatment, reductions occurred in frequency/problems scales across overall BPFAS child behaviors. Mealtime misbehaviors significantly declined at all checkpoints - early skill acquisition may drive this early change, whereas changes in frequency/problem scales occurred after mid-treatment, suggesting later skill acquisition may be driving these changes. On the coercive caregiver feeding subscale, multivariate regression identified a significant race by time interaction (p = .02) - multiracial caregivers improved while others showed no difference. ConclusionStandard PCIT, not adapted for feeding concerns, decreased maladaptive child eating behaviors across all caregivers and coercive feeding practices in multiracial caregivers. Authoritative parenting principles may generalize to eating contexts for certain cultural groups. PCIT shows promise as an early upstream intervention potentially changing trajectories without needed feeding content modifications. Assessment of long-term maintenance is warranted. Coupling with nutrition education could optimize impact.