Young Child Feeding Practices Research Articles

Assessment of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices among Mothers Attending Maternal and Child Health Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital, North Karnataka, India - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are crucial for children’s health and survival, protecting against diarrhea and acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). Despite strong evidence, breastfeeding and complementary feeding rates remain low. This study aimed to assess IYCF practices among mothers and identify associated morbidities in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 mothers of children aged 0–24 months at the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, using convenience sampling over 2 months (October–November 2023). Data were collected via a pretested semi-structured questionnaire based on WHO IYCF indicators and analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: The study found that 57.75% of mothers initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery, and 49% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for infants aged 0–6 months. However, only 28.6% met minimum dietary diversity (MDD), 13.2% met minimum meal frequency, and 13.2% achieved a minimum acceptable diet. Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with lower incidence of diarrhea (P ≤ 0.0001) and ARTIs (P < 0.0001). Bottle feeding was linked to higher rates of diarrhea (P = 0.002) and ARTIs (P = 0.04). Diarrhea was also significantly associated with inadequate dietary diversity (P = 0.02) and sweetened beverage intake (P = 0.0002). Conclusion: The findings highlight the link between inadequate feeding practices and increased risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections. Immediate interventions, including health worker training and community nutrition programs, are essential to enhance maternal knowledge and improve infant feeding practices, ultimately reducing childhood illnesses.

Psychosocial Predictors of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices Among Mother-Child Dyads in Malawi and South Africa.

Maternal capacity to adhere to recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices may be influenced by psychosocial factors. However, research examining associations between psychosocial factors and IYCF practices, and in particular complementary feeding indicators, is limited. As part of the Khula birth cohort study, we aimed to investigate associations between maternal depression, exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV), social support and stimulating home environments with IYCF practices among mother-child dyads in Malawi (n = 153) and South Africa (n = 255). When children were 10-16 months of age, mothers completed a series of psychosocial and child diet questionnaires. Regression modelling assessed associations between maternal psychosocial measures and IYCF indicators, adjusting for maternal age, education, marital status and household socioeconomic status. IYCF practices were suboptimal in both settings, with 50%-54% meeting the minimum dietary diversity (MDD), 67%-73% the minimum meal frequency (MMF) and 39%-45% the minimum acceptable diet (MAD) indicators. In South Africa, mothers exposed to IPV in the previous 12 months were less likely to meet the MDD and MAD recommendations (MDD: OR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.75; p = 0.006; MAD: OR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.85; p = 0.02). There was a significant positive association between stimulation (i.e., more books/toys/play activities) and dietary diversity scores in South Africa. In adjusted analyses, maternal depression and social support were not significantly associated with IYCF indicators in either setting. IYCF programmes may benefit from supporting maternal psychosocial wellbeing and integrating nurturing care to improve children's dietary intakes, growth and development.

Perceptions on child feeding practices among mothers of children under five in Namibia: a qualitative study

Background: In developing countries, sub-optimal child feeding is widespread and deprives children of critical nutrients to support rapid growth spurs in the early years, and this remains a challenge to their growth and development. The study aimed to explore the perceptions towards child feeding of mothers of children aged under five years in Namibia. Methods: The study utilised a qualitative approach to obtain the perceptions of mothers of children under five years towards child feeding practices. Data were collected using focus-group discussions and in-depth face-to-face interviews with mothers/caregivers of children under five residing in four urban and peri-urban areas of Namibia. Results: The study revealed that mothers had varied perceptions concerning child feeding practices that were not consistent with the recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. The mothers’ perceptions of child feeding were influenced by their social networks and family support systems, social media, and traditional beliefs and practices. The perceived key enablers to appropriate IYCF included the provision of special rooms and nutritious diets to breastfeeding mothers, social media, and social network and family support systems. The perceived constraints to appropriate IYCF included, financial challenges, limited family support, single motherhood, negative traditional beliefs and practices, and inadequate access to information. Conclusions: Improving child feeding practices necessitates strengthening support groups to encourage peer-to-peer learning, capacity building of mothers, health providers, and their support networks on IYCF, and provision of income-generating activities. The formulation of a nutrition-strategic framework with community-tailored and culturally sensitive interventions has the potential to streamline intervention implementation and contribute to positive nutrition outcomes.

Infant and young child feeding practices and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among ultra-poor slum mothers of Bangladesh.

BackgroundAppropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), are necessary for the optimal development of children and the reduction of child mortality and morbidity. There is a paucity of IYCF data from the ultra-poor children living in the slums of Bangladesh.AimTo explore IYCF practices in slums in Bangladesh and identify factors associated with EIBF.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study and interviewed 682 ultra-poor mothers with 0-23-months-old children living in the slums of Dhaka and Saidpur. The interview questionnaire (adapted from Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey and World Health Organization tools) included sociodemographic, dietary, and healthcare utilization variables. We conducted a descriptive analysis to report the prevalence of IYCF practices. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with EIBF.ResultsAbout 99.3% of children were ever breastfed; 89.4% of women breastfed their newborns within an hour; 63.5% of 0-5-months-old children were exclusively breastfed; 78.2% of mothers fed their 6-8-months-olds solid, semisolid, or soft foods; and 34.2% of 0-23-months-olds were bottle fed. Secondary or higher maternal education (≥grade 6) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13-0.59, p = 0.001), previous history of two or more live births (aOR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.38-4.61, p = 0.003), and cesarean delivery (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.18-0.69, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with EIBF.ConclusionIn the urban slums of Bangladesh, exclusive breastfeeding needs further improvement, and bottle feeding needs to be reduced. Moreover, special attention should be provided to the children delivered through C-sections as they are at greater risk of late initiation of breastfeeding.

Impact of the BabyThrive Gaming App on Maternal Infant and Young Child Feeding Attitudes and Practices and Child (0 – 2 Years) Anthropometrics

Impact of the BabyThrive Gaming App on Maternal Infant and Young Child Feeding Attitudes and Practices and Child (0 – 2 Years) Anthropometrics

Mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices on infant and young child feeding in selected municipalities in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are essential for improving the nutritional status of young children. In Maguindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), there is a high prevalence of malnutrition among infants and young children. Information on mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding IYCF is limited. This study aimed to assess the current KAP of mothers regarding IYCF and explore the factors influencing these practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 320 mothers of children aged 6 - 23 months using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were collected by trained researchers. Results: Mothers showed strong knowledge on breastfeeding, with over 90.0% recognising its importance during illness and proper breastfeeding techniques. They also have positive attitudes, with 99.4% acknowledging breastfeeding’s health benefits, 96.9% its economic value, and 96.8% its role in emotional bonding. Analysis showed significant positive association between education and attitude (p=0.001), while there were no significant association with knowledge (p=0.058) and practice (p=0.091). Income levels showed no significant associations with knowledge (p=0.388), attitude (p=0.061), and practice (p=0.419). Conclusion: Addressing knowledge and attitude gaps through nutrition messages could enhance IYCF practices among mothers in Maguindanao, BARMM.

DEVELOPING AN INSTRUMENT FOR DETERMINANTS OF INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING (IYCF) PRACTICES USING THEORETICAL INTEGRATION APPROACH

ABSTRACTBackground: Inadequate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices significantly contribute to malnutrition and health complications, particularly in developing countries. In Indonesia, challenges such as cultural barriers, inconsistent maternal knowledge, and insufficient social support hinder effective IYCF implementation. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving child nutrition and health outcomes.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties, including validity and internal consistency, of a structured questionnaire assessing factors influencing IYCF practices.Methods: Thirty mothers of children aged 6 to 23 months in Sedati, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, participated in the study from May to July 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire focusing on maternal characteristics, social support, observational learning, cognitive factors, and perceptions related to IYCF practices. The validity process were consisted of stage 1- Literature review, stage 2-Back translation and stage 3-Expert content validity then pilot study were conducted to 5 respondents. The questionnaire’s construct validity was assessed from 30 respondents using Pearson correlations, and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, with data analysis performed using SPSS version 27.0.Results: The study found strong correlations in family support (r = 0.915-0.920, p < 0.01), community support (r = 0.484-0.763, p < 0.01), and observational learning (r = 0.489-0.515, p < 0.01). Motivation showed a range of correlations (r = -0.190 to 0.696), and knowledge correlations ranged from (r = -0.371 to 0.210). Perceived barriers had negative correlations (r = -0.331 to -0.296).Conclusion: The questionnaire demonstrated strong validity and internal consistency for measuring family support, community support, and observational learning related to IYCF. However, items related to motivation, knowledge, and perceived barriers showed weaker or negative correlations. Refining the questionnaire to address these issues and incorporating culturally sensitive approaches could enhance IYCF practices and improve child nutrition and health outcomes.Keywords : IYCF; HBM; SCT; complementary feeding; infant

Variation of continued breastfeeding by age of the child among children aged 12–23 months: evidence from 21 sub-Saharan African countries

BackgroundAppropriate breastfeeding practices are recommended to decrease the burden of under-five mortality and its related costs in sub-Saharan Africa. Continued breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of child morbidity and mortality. There is no evidence on the pooled prevalence and determinants of continued breastfeeding conducted using the most recent indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices in 2021. Therefore, the findings of this study could help nutrition policymakers prioritize and implement specific interventions for breastfeeding continuation.MethodsData from the most recent demographic and health surveys, which were carried out between 2015 and 2022 in 21 sub-Saharan African countries, were used. The study comprised a weighted sample of 44,423 children between the ages of 12 and 23 months. Software for statistical analysis, STATA/SE version 14.0, was used to clean, recode, and analyze data. Utilizing multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, the factors associated with the outcome variable were identified. Statistical significance was attained by variables having an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of continued breastfeeding among children aged 12 to 23 months was 64.59% (95% CI: 64.15%, 65.04%). Factors like maternal age [AOR = 1.22; 95% CI (1.09, 1.38)], maternal educational level [AOR = 0.51; 95% CI (0.47, 0.55)], and paternal educational level [AOR = 0.79; 95% CI (0.73, 0.85)], marital status of the mother [AOR = 1.13; 95% CI (1.05, 1.22)], maternal working status [AOR = 1.32; 95% CI (1.25, 1.39)], wealth index [AOR = 0.82; 95% CI (0.77, 0.88)], parity [AOR = 1.09; 95% CI (1.00, 1.19)], place of delivery [AOR = 0.92; 95% CI (0.87, 0.98)], ANC visits [AOR = 1.27; 95% CI (1.15, 1.39)], mode of delivery [AOR = 0.81; 95% CI (0.73, 0.89)], twin status [AOR = 4.65; 95% CI (4.07, 5.31), age of the child [AOR = 9.59; 95% CI (9.03, 10.2)], sex of the child [AOR = 0.95; 95% CI (0.91, 0.99)], preceding birth interval [AOR = 1.28; 95% CI (1.20, 1.37)], residence [AOR = 0.74; 95% CI (0.70, 0.79)], and community level education [AOR = 0.90; 95% CI (0.85, 0.96)] were significantly associated with continued breastfeeding.ConclusionIn the present study, nearly two-thirds of children aged 12 to 23 months in sub-Saharan African countries continued breastfeeding. Higher odds of continued breastfeeding were reported among older, educated, and married women; working mothers; wealthier households; grand multiparous women; home delivery; attending ANC visits; vaginal delivery; single birth; younger children; male children; long preceding birth interval; urban residence; and mothers from eastern Africa. Therefore, women’s empowerment, improving maternal healthcare services, and giving special attention to unmarried and younger women, primiparous women, women with multiple births, mothers with female children, and mothers from rural areas are recommended.

Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Their Association with Women's Autonomy: A Community-Based Study in Rural West Bengal

Introduction: In majority of societies women are the primary caregivers of children. Poor feeding habits in early childhood contribute to malnutrition and child mortality in India. While the effects of some of the resources such as education on child feeding practices have been extensively evaluated, women's autonomy have received less attention. Objective: To assess feeding practices among the infants and young children in Budge-budge II block of West Bengal. Method: A descriptive study with cross-sectional design was conducted among 161 children between 6-23 months of age and their respondent mothers in Budge-Budge II block, West Bengal, using multistage random sampling. Mothers were interviewed face to face, and data were collected using a predesigned, pretested and structured IYCF practice schedule and a Likert-type women's autonomy measurement scale and analysed using SPSS v26.0. Multivariable binary logistic regression and the Pearson's correlation was done to find association. Results: Among the study participants, 155 (96.3%) reported being breastfed, 29 (18%) received pre-lacteal feed, 60 (37.3%) had not initiated breastfeeding early within 1 hour, 149 (92.5%) received colostrum, 39 (24.2%) were not exclusively breastfed; 119 (73.9%) of the study participants had adequate meal frequency whereas 87 (54%) and 97 (60.2%) had inadequate dietary diversity and acceptable diet respectively. Overall IYCF practice was significantly poor 113 (70.2%). Among the mothers 88 (54.7%) had lower level of autonomy. Conclusion: More than half of the study participants had poor overall IYCF practices. A majority of the mothers were having a lower level of autonomy. IYCF practices were found to be poorer among the female children and those delivered by Caesarean Section. Moderately positive correlation was found between mothers' autonomy and IYCF practices.

Minimum Dietary Diversity and Its Determinants among Children Aged 6-60 Months in Rural Puducherry.

To assess the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and explore its associated determinants among children aged 6-60months in rural Puducherry. 143 children aged 6-60months were selected from rural areas of Puducherry using systematic random sampling in a cross-sectional study conducted between January and February 2024. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices. MDD was defined as the consumption of at least five of eight food groups for children aged 6-24months and seven food groups for children aged 25-60months. Sociodemographic factors, food group consumption, and anthropometric measurements were also recorded. Statistical analysis involved Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression to identify associations between MDD and various factors. 55.24% of the children achieved MDD. Children aged 25-60months (P < 0.001) and those with mothers over 30years old (P = 0.001) were significantly more likely to meet MDD. Underweight (P = 0.001) and severely underweight children (P = 0.001) had a lower likelihood of achieving MDD. Factors such as gender, birth order, and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with MDD. Despite a higher MDD rate than the national average, a substantial proportion of children in rural Puducherry do not meet dietary diversity standards, particularly younger (< 24months) and underweight children.

ASSESSMENT OF INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING PRACTICES OF CAREGIVERS IN IHIMA DISTRICT, OKEHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE

Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing mortality rates among children under the age of two. However, inadequate nutrition during this critical period remains a leading cause of global malnutrition. This study assessed key indicators of infant and young child feeding practices in Ihima District, Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers and caregivers in Ihima District. Respondents were recruited using convenience sampling method. Data was collected on assessment of Infant and young child feeding practice using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. The interviewer-administered questionnaire obtained information on demographic characteristics, breastfeeding practices and complementary feeding practices based on WHO guidelines. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square on SPSS version 21, the p-values &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 116 children studied, 75% were breastfed within one hour of birth, 74.14% were exclusively breastfed, and 48.28% received pre lacteal feeding. Additionally, 32.61% of mothers of children aged 12–23 months continued breastfeeding until the child was two years old. Timely introduction of complementary foods was observed in 66.67% of children aged 6–8 months. Of the 83 children within the 6–23 months age group, 43.37% were fed from four or more food groups. Minimum meal frequency (MMF) was adequate in 57.83%, while the minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was met by 43.37% of children. This study reported good early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding practices, however complementary feeding practice was sub-optimal.

Evaluation of infant and young child feeding practices in low-income areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh: insights from a cross-sectional study using the 2021 WHO/UNICEF guideline

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the status of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and associated factors among children aged 0–23 months in the low-income regions of Dhaka City,...

Concurrent stunting among under-five children in Egypt

Background Stunting still represents a major public health problem in Egypt, impacting around one-third of children under five and leading to a 2-3% drop in Gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, this study examined the trends in the prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among children aged 0-23 months, 24-59 months and 0-59 months in Egypt. Methods The study used combined data from the 2005, 2008, and 2014 Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS), with a total sample of 39,857 children aged 0-59 months. A multilevel logistic regression that adjusts for sampling weights and clustering was performed to analyse the factors associated with stunting among children in Egypt. Results The prevalence of stunting was 24.8% in children aged 0-23 months, 24.3% in children aged 24-59 months, and 24.5 % in children aged 0-59 months. After controlling for potential confounders, the common factors associated with stunting in three age groups were mothers with primary education and mothers who did not have an antenatal care (ANC) visit during pregnancy. Maternal short stature (height &lt; 155 cm) was associated with an increased risk of stunting in three age groups compared to mothers taller than 160 cm. Conclusion Addressing the causes of stunting in Egypt necessitates sectoral collaboration, including health, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, and social protection. Interventions should prioritise and be accessible to families with low socioeconomic status, focusing on improved healthcare access, parent education, and infant and young child feeding practices. A systematic nutrition monitoring framework that enables routine data collection on nutritional outcomes to monitor and improve child health is recommended.

Tailoring Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) to Improve Child Feeding and Use of Indigenous Preserved Foods in Drought-Affected Kenya: Considerations for Climate Shocks.

This program assessment explored the use of indigenous preserved animal-source foods to improve complementary feeding practices, to identify the roles of mothers, fathers, and elder women in supporting infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and to develop recommendations for program implementation. The Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) approach, food frequency, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions methodologies were used to collect information on complementary feeding and use of indigenous preserved animal-source foods during a program assessment. Data was collected during Round 1-dry season and Round 2-prolonged drought. Sixty in-depth interviews were carried out with mothers of children 6-23 months of age, 12 elder women, and six focus groups with 26 fathers for a total of 98 program participants in pastoral communities in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties, Kenya. Program sites were affected by limited access and availability of animal-source foods and worsened household food insecurity. Nearly all mothers introduced camel milk, often fed raw, as a first food, before 1 year of age. Preserved meat and milk products were often prohibited or fed to older children due to cultural beliefs and norms. Most mothers experienced greater success in implementing TIPs recommendations during Round 1 versus Round 2 and stopped chewing food for the child, gave preserved meat, and fed eggs. Gendered divisions of labor and social norms around roles of fathers, elder women and mothers can hinder IYCF. Future programming should plan for climate-induced shocks, including amplifying indigenous food preservation and addressing gender and social norms to improve IYCF.

Positive deviance approach in improving child health outcomes: assessment of child feeding practices in Marsabit County, Kenya

Background: Child feeding practice is considered one of the determinants of malnutrition in under-fives. In Kenya, inadequate infant and young child feeding practices contribute to high rates of malnutrition. In Marsabit County, undernutrition prevalence varies in different sub-counties. There are areas where malnutrition is very high whereas other areas are relatively low. This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge of child-feeding practices and to determine the deviant child-feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6-24 months. Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional study design. Three-stage sampling technique was used to randomly select 278 eligible households with children aged 6-24 months for participatory assessment of child feeding practices. A questionnaire was used for quantitative data and Focus Group Discussion and guides for qualitative data. Univariate analysis was used to obtain the frequency distribution of maternal knowledge and deviant practices. Results: The study found that maternal knowledge has a significant effect on child-feeding practices in Marsabit County, Kenya. Mothers have a good understanding of the changing food systems. Due to the scarcity of cow’s milk, brought about by drought, unavailability in the market, and increasing food prices, other affordable substitutes are being given like, porridge, fruits, soup (meat), and eggs. Conclusions: The study concludes that maternal knowledge has a significant effect on child-feeding practices in Marsabit County, Kenya. The study concludes that deviant child-feeding practices have a significant effect on child-feeding practices in Marsabit County, Kenya.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Weaning Among Postnatal Mothers in a Selected Area of Udupi District with a View to Develop an Informational Booklet

Background: Undernutrition contributes to an estimated 2.7 million child deaths annually, accounting for 45% of all child mortality. Ensuring proper infant and young child feeding practices is critical for improving child survival rates and supporting healthy growth and development. The first two years of life are especially crucial, as adequate nutrition during this period significantly reduces illness and death, lowers the likelihood of chronic diseases, and promotes overall developmental progress. Objectives: This study aim to assess the knowledge regarding weaning among postnatal mothers in a selected area of Udupi district with a view to develop an informational booklet. Materials and Methods: The descriptive survey design among 100 postnatal mothers was used to assess the knowledge regarding weaning in selected areas of Udupi district, with a view to develop informational booklet. A structured knowledge questionnaire was prepared to assess the knowledge of postnatal mother regarding weaning and later the IB was given. Reliability of the tool was tested and validity was ensured in consultation with guides and experts in field of Nursing and Medicine Results: Overall knowledge scores of postnatal mothers were found that majority 88% postnatal mothers had poor knowledge level and 12% had moderate knowledge on weaning. Area- wise analysis of pretest knowledge of postnatal mothers regarding weaning, it shows that overall knowledge mean was 11.1 with mean percentage of 34%. Conclusion: This study concludes that the knowledge scores of postnatal mothers on weaning was low. The demographic variables of postnatal mothers are not significantly associated with the knowledge scores. Keywords: Knowledge, Weaning, Postnatal Mothers, Informational Booklet

Comparison of infant and young child feeding practices and demographic characteristics between healthy and malnourished children aged 0-23 months in Pakistan.

Children living in low and middle-income class settings exhibit varied nutritional status ranging from healthy to malnourished. Differences in socioeconomic conditions and Infant & young child feeding practices may be responsible for nutritional disparities among them. This case-control study aimed to explore these differences among healthy and malnourished children aged 0-23 months. This was a hospital-based, case-control study. The study was conducted in the outpatient department of The Indus Hospital, Karachi from June 2022 till December 2022. A total of 380 children aged 0-23 months were recruited from the outpatient department.. Compliance to different IYCF indicators, ranging from breastfeeding to complementary feeding, was. assessed by taking 24 hours food recall. Mid-upper arm circumference was used to categorize the nutritional status of children. The dominant food groups consumed were roots, grains, and tubers, while consumption of vitamin A-rich fruits, flesh food, eggs, fruits, and vegetables were relatively low in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low paternal education (COR = 3.64; 95% CI: 2.07, 6.40), employment of mother (COR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.19, 4.36), and achieving minimal meal frequency (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.31) had a negative association with the nutritional status of children while male gender (COR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.79) and maternal education (AOR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.60) and paternal employment (COR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.59) were positively associated with nutritional status. We conclude that lack of parental education, father unemployment, maternal employment, and minimal meal frequency were significantly associated with malnutrition in children.

Reflections of adolescent motherhood on infant and young child feeding practices: the case of Uganda

BackgroundAge-appropriate breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding play a crucial role in reducing under-5 mortality rates, malnutrition, and mortality worldwide. Given the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in Uganda, we aimed to assess the competence of adolescent mothers in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey.MethodOur sample comprised the last children aged 6–23 months of mothers aged 15–29 years, totaling 2594 mother-infant pairs; 402 were aged 15–19 years, 1,388 were aged 20–29 years with their first delivery before the age of 20, and 804 were aged 20–29 years with their first delivery at 20 years or older. We utilized complex sample logistic regression analysis to examine the interactions between adolescent motherhood and IYCF indicators during the previous day of the survey.ResultsThe rates of ongoing breastfeeding, bottle feeding, minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, minimum acceptable diet, egg and/or flesh food consumption, zero vegetable or fruit consumption, and unhealthy food consumption were found to be 77.7%, 16.3%, 37.5%, 28.7%, 14.2%, 41.7%, 31.6%, and 14.7%, respectively. Multivariate complex sample logistic regression revealed that women with a history of adolescent pregnancy had lower odds of achieving minimum meal frequency, and higher odds of zero vegetable or fruit consumption.ConclusionAdolescent mothers and women who give birth during their teenage years are particularly vulnerable to inadequate infant and young child nutrition practices. Targeted interventions and education programs should be implemented to promote optimal complementary feeding practices among mothers in Uganda.

Determinants of infants and young children feeding practices among mothers living in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe WHO sets evidence-based guidelines for infant feeding. Adhering to the WHO guidelines ensures that infants receive the proper nutrition and thus is associated with healthy growth and development.AimTo describe breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices (CFPs) for infants and young children and identify determinants of appropriate feeding practices.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed via structured interviews with mothers living in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province who had children aged 6–24 months. To evaluate their adherence to the recommended WHO practices, a scoring method was applied (0–9).Results395 mothers were interviewed. The rate of breastfeeding within the first hour, and exclusively breastfeeding for six months was both 25%. Multivariate analysis showed that exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months was less likely in middle-income mothers were less likely to exclusively breastfeed for six months than high-income mothers (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.18–0.57; p < 0.001). Mothers without domestic help were also less likely to exclusively breastfeed (OR = 3.0; p < 0.001), as were those not living with their husbands (OR = 2.1; p = 0.007). Multiparous mothers and those with higher education were more likely to breastfeed than high school graduates (OR = 2.3, p = 0.02; OR = 4.4, p = 0.015, respectively). Timely breastfeeding initiation within the first hour was more common in term infants than preterm infants (OR = 5.3; p = 0.033), and infants born through normal delivery were four times more likely to initiate breastfeeding early (OR = 4.0; p < 0.001).For CFPs, 42% of participants introduced solid food at six months. 55% of mothers reported poor CFPs, primarily due to inappropriate timing of solid food introduction, choking hazards, and delayed introduction of family meals. Good CFPs were positively associated with higher maternal education, increased income, and living with a husband.ConclusionPartial compliance with WHO CFP standards need improvement. Interventions should raise awareness of factors leading to poor compliance and support early breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Low-income and less educated families appear to be most in need of support.

Clinical profile and co-morbidities in children with moderate and severe acute malnutrition

Background: Malnutrition as a problem is multidimensional and multifactorial with varied clinical profiles and comorbidities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical profile and comorbidities in children suffering from malnutrition and to estimate the association of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) with demographic parameters, feeding, and immunization. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 132 children with malnutrition, aged between 6 to 59 months, at Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur over 18 months. Demographic details, clinical history, clinical evaluation, anthropometric measurements, and investigations, were noted on predesigned performa. All the data were analyzed by SPSS software. A p-value&lt;0.05 was considered significant. Result: The mean age of children with malnutrition was 25.79(15.68) months. Wasting and severe wasting among children with malnutrition were 51.5 % and 48.5% respectively. Major comorbidities were diarrhoea (70.5%), severe anemia (67.4%), pneumonia (62.9%), vitamin A deficiency (59.8%), sepsis (54.6%), urinary tract infection (54.5%), vitamin D deficiency (35.6%), worm infestation (30.3%), and tuberculosis (28.8%). A significant association of malnutrition was found with children of younger age (p&lt;0.0001), Hindu religion (p&lt;0.0001), not exclusively breastfed (p=0.004), delayed initiation of complementary feeding (p=0.029), and incomplete immunization (p=0.006). Conclusion: Malnutrition is closely linked to poor infant and young child feeding practices. Malnourished children suffer from various infections and micronutrient deficiencies. Adequate and timely nutritional support plays a vital role in breaking the vicious cycle of undernutrition-disease-undernutrition resulting in recovery.