scholarly journals Gaps in international nutrition and child feeding guidelines: a look at the nutrition and young child feeding education of Ghanaian nurses

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 2215-2224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennie N Davis ◽  
Helen Brown ◽  
Samantha A Ramsay

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the nutrition and young child feeding (YCF) education and training of nurses in public health clinics of Ghana’s Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem region (KEEA) in relation to global health guidelines, and how nurses served as educators for caregivers with children aged 0–5 years.DesignA qualitative study of semi-structured one-on-one and group interviews (n 21) following a questionnaire of closed- and open-ended questions addressing child feeding, nutrition and global health recommendations. Interviews were conducted in English, audio-recorded, transcribed and coded. Descriptive data were tabulated. Content analysis identified themes from open-ended questions.SettingKEEA public health clinics (n 12).SubjectsNurses (n 41) purposefully recruited from KEEA clinics.ResultsA model capturing nurses’ nutrition and YCF education emerged with five major themes: (i) adequacy of nurses’ basic knowledge in breast-feeding, complementary feeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, YCF and hygiene; (ii) nurses’ delivery of nutrition and YCF information; (iii) nurses’ evaluation of children’s health status to measure education effectiveness; (iv) nurses’ perceived barriers of caregivers’ ability to implement nutrition and YCF education; and (v) a gap in global health recommendations on YCF practices for children aged 2–5 years.ConclusionsNurses demonstrated adequate nutrition and YCF knowledge, but reported a lack of in-depth nutrition knowledge and YCF education for children 2–5 years of age, specifically education and knowledge of YCF beyond complementary feeding. To optimize child health outcomes, a greater depth of nutrition and YCF education is needed in international health guidelines.

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Armar-Klemesu ◽  
Sarah Osei-Menya ◽  
Sawudatu Zakariah-Akoto ◽  
Alison Tumilowicz ◽  
James Lee ◽  
...  

Background: Understanding the context of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is recognized as essential for designing appropriate complementary feeding interventions. Objective: Our objective was to study household IYCF behaviors in 2 districts in southern and northern Ghana to identify opportunities to improve existing nutrition programs. Methods: We interviewed 80 caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months using ethnographic methods, including free listing, guided discussions and cognitive mapping techniques, and 24-hour dietary recall. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Results: In both settings, children’s diets were predominantly maize based. Fish, the main animal source food, was consumed daily but in very small quantities. Milk was consumed by only a few children, in tea and porridge. Fruits were seldom consumed. Household food production did not meet requirements, and the markets were heavily relied on for staples and other key ingredients. Most caregivers demonstrated basic knowledge and understanding of key health and nutrition concepts. Barriers to optimal child feeding identified were lack of money to purchase the nutritious foods recommended for children, seasonal food insecurity, and some caregiver beliefs, practices, and nutrition knowledge gaps. Positive contextual features include caregiver recognition of the dietary needs of young children and commitment to provide foods to meet these needs. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that complementary feeding in these rural settings can be improved through reinforcement or modification of strategic components of local health and nutrition education in light of existing barriers and enablers to optimal IYCF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanine Ahishakiye ◽  
Lenneke Vaandrager ◽  
Inge D. Brouwer ◽  
Maria Koelen

Abstract Background Mothers in low-income countries face many challenges to appropriately feed their children in the first year such as poverty, food insecurity and high workloads. However, even in the lowest income families there are mothers who succeed to feed their children according to the recommendations. In this paper, we explored the coping strategies that facilitate appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among rural Rwandan mothers from birth to one year of a child’s life. Methods This qualitative longitudinal study recruited a purposive sample of 17 mothers who followed the infant and young child feeding recommendations (IYCF). They were selected from a larger study of 36 mothers. In-depth interviews were conducted with mothers of the total group (36 mothers) within the first week, at 4th, 6th, 9th and 12th months postpartum. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results Coping strategies included improving mothers’ own diet for adequate breastmilk production, prioritizing child feeding over livelihood chores, livelihood diversification and mothers’ anticipatory behaviors such as preparing child’s food in advance. Some of those coping strategies were shifting overtime depending on the development of the children. Personal factors such as breastfeeding self-efficacy, religious beliefs and perceived benefits of breastfeeding were among the facilitating factors. Additionally, social support that mothers received from family members, other mothers in the community, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and health professionals played an important role. Conclusion In challenging contextual conditions, mothers manage to follow the recommended breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices through the interplay of active coping strategies, feeling to be in control and social support. Nutrition promotion interventions that aim to improve IYCF should consider strengthening mothers’ capability in gaining greater control of their IYCF practices and the factors facilitating their appropriate IYCF practices.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
Lauriina Schneider ◽  
Mikko Kosola ◽  
Kerttu Uusimäki ◽  
Sari Ollila ◽  
Crippina Lubeka ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The objective was to explore mothers’ perceptions of educational videos on infant and young child feeding practices, and to assess whether viewing frequencies would influence maternal knowledge, attitudes and feeding practices (KAPs). Design A set of 47 videos were displayed in health centers for 6 months. At three months, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers and at six months, administered KAP-questionnaire-based interviews to mothers. Using a quasi-experimental design we compared groups according to video viewing frequencies. Setting The study was conducted in a slum in Nairobi and a rural area in Machakos, Kenya. We installed TV screens in waiting rooms of six Mother and Child Health Centers, where mothers could choose to watch them. Participants Forty-three mothers with children aged 0 to 48 months participated in six FGDs and 547 mothers of children aged 0 to 23 months in KAP interviews. Results The mothers from the FGDs found the videos acceptable and beneficial. Videos enhanced mothers’ learning and empowered them to support others in learning. The KAP data showed that after adjustments, breastfeeding (p=0.06) and complementary feeding knowledge (p=0.01), complementary feeding attitudes (p=0.08), as well as hygiene knowledge and practices (p=0.003) were better among mothers who had seen videos three to four times, or five or more times, compared to mothers who had seen the videos once or twice. Conclusions Videos were an accepted form of education and were beneficial when watched repeatedly. The videos could be a good addition to current IYCF education efforts in Kenya.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Md Saizuddin ◽  
Md Shahidul Hasan ◽  
Md Rashidul Islam ◽  
Md Alfazzaman ◽  
MM Mafizur Rahman ◽  
...  

A descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out to assess the pattern of infant & young child feeding practices by the rural mothers of Bangladesh with a sample size of 450 during the months of January, 2015 to December, 2015. Out of 450 children, 51.1% are female & 48.9% are male. The proportions of infants with early initiation of breastfeeding (13.6%) and exclusive breastfeeding fewer than six months (57.3%) and infants who received complementary feeding at the age of 6-8 months (55.7%) were low. It showed that 90.4% of mothers have knowledge on exclusive breast feeding but only 57.3% of them have practiced it for 4-6 months. It further revealed that only 8.4% of mothers & 13.6 % of fathers are illiterate. The main problems revealed from the study were late initiation of breastfeeding, low rates of exclusive breastfeeding and inappropriate complementary feeding practices. It further revealed that 69.3% of the respondents had two or less children and only 30.7% had three or more children.Medicine Today 2016 Vol.28(1): 1-5


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Ramesh Shrestha ◽  
Ved Prasad Bhandari ◽  
Laxman Datt Bhatt

Introduction: Child feeding practices have a direct consequence on the nutritional status of children under two year which ultimately have impact on child survival. Socio-cultural barriers is one of the main factors in infant and young child feeding in various community. This study aims to explore socio-cultural barriers of infant and young child feeding practices among mothers of Kumal community in Nuwakot district. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among mother of 6-23 months children’s in Kumal community. Data was collected from 67 respondents through face-to-face interview. The collected data was entered in Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS, version 20. Results: Our study reveals that 83.6% of the respondents had initiated early breastfeeding. More than half (56.7%) of the respondents had exclusive breastfeeding and 97% had extended breastfeeding. Half (50.7%) of the respondents introduce complementary feeding in time, sex of child was associated with exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Similarly, size of household, mother and father education was associated with continuation of breastfeeding practice. Conclusions: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding is still low due to many factors and one being socio cultural practices and beliefs. Interventions that can hit the socio-cultural beliefs should be given priority to exterminate the socio-cultural taboos from root level.


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nainisha Chintalapudi ◽  
Gloria Hamela ◽  
Innocent Mofolo ◽  
Suzanne Maman ◽  
Mina C. Hosseinipour ◽  
...  

Background: Few studies in low- and middle-income countries have examined the roles of couples in infant and young child feeding decision making and practices, and there is no corresponding data in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Research aim: This study aimed to explore mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of their roles in feeding decision making and practices. Methods: The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 15 mothers and their male partners, recruited from the catchment areas of two urban and two rural government clinics in Lilongwe District, Malawi. The mothers were ≥ 18 years of age, were HIV positive, and had a child < 24 months of age. Twelve of the 15 fathers were also HIV positive. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Mothers were responsible for child care, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Fathers provided monetary support for purchasing food and offered verbal support to encourage mothers to implement recommended feeding practices. Many fathers found it difficult to support adequate complementary feeding because of household food insecurity. Mothers were advised on child feeding during prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinic visits. No fathers in this study accompanied women to clinic appointments, so they were less well-informed about feeding than mothers. Fathers usually deferred to mothers in feeding decision making. One-third of mothers wanted fathers to be more involved in child feeding. Conclusion: Malawian mothers’ and fathers’ roles in feeding decision making in the context of HIV align with local gender norms. Strategies are needed to improve fathers’ knowledge of and involvement in child feeding, as desired by mothers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (06) ◽  
pp. 16703-16716
Author(s):  
Alain Hien ◽  
◽  
JW Some ◽  
IT Traore ◽  
C Meda ◽  
...  

Knowledge, attitudes and practices(KAP) of mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding are key factors for optimal nutritional status, health and growth of the children. A community-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during January 2017 to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) of mothers/ caregivers who lived in peri-urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina-Faso.This study was carried out before a nutrition education-based intervention and included 245 mothers/ caregivers that were randomly selected in the peri-urban communities of Bobo-Dioulasso. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire developed based on Food and Agriculture Organization knowledge, attitudes and practices assessment method was used to collect KAP and socio-economic data. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. For this study, authorization was obtained from the regional directorate of health of the Hauts-Bassins region. Verbal consent was obtained after the participants had been informed about the study objectives. Among the 245 study participants, 55.1% were aged less than 30 years. More than 3 out of 4 mothers/caregivers (76.3%) were Muslim and 59.2% of them were illiterate. Almost all mothers/caregivers (98.8%) had adequate knowledge for breastfeeding and 87.9% of them knew about exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months. In addition, 91.8% of mothers/caregivers reported that they gave colostrum at birth. Furthermore, 67.5% of the mothers started breastfeeding within one hour after delivery. Based on mothers/caregivers’ report on complementary foods consumed by 6-59 months children in the previous 24h before the interview, cereals were the most reported consumed food group (89.8%) followed by meat and fish products (28.6%). This study found that mothers/caregivers had adequate knowledge about IYCF in general. However, mothers/caregivers’ practice of complementary feeding was inappropriate. Cereals were the food group consumed by most of children aged 6-59 months raising the needs for interventions, such as cooking demonstrations during postnatal visits in health facilities,to improve complementary feeding in this population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamiso Alice Moyo ◽  
Nikki Schaay

Background: The role of fathers in infant and young child feeding has not been explored in Zimbabwe. To date, local research studies on the role of parents in infant and young child feeding have focused more on the mothers than the fathers, and more on breastfeeding than complementary feeding practices, which begin from 6 months of age. Purpose of study: To explore the knowledge and extent of involvement of fathers in the complementary feeding of children 6 to 23 months in Zimbabwe. Method: Through a qualitative approach, 10 fathers with children aged 6 to 23 months participated in the study. Local key informants were used to validate information given by fathers. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes. Results: There has been a notable change in behaviour among the fathers in comparison to what they did 10 years ago. For example, they support their wives with household activities such as playing with the child, fetching water and firewood in bulk and cooking simple meals for their children, though the latter was generally reported as being done only during the mothers’ absence. Some of the fathers however, are still mindful of what the predominant culture defines as a father’s role in child feeding and thus only do selective activities. Major conclusion: This qualitative study, a first of its kind, delved into some of the experiences and perceptions of fathers in the complementary feeding of infants 6 to 23 months in Zimbabwe. Rich exploratory insights into the subject matter have been provided and can thus be expanded upon in future research.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Salim ◽  
SA Mita ◽  
MN Uddin ◽  
NWB Jahan ◽  
MZ Ali ◽  
...  

This cross sectional study was conducted during the period of May 2008 to June 2009, a total of 455 mothers having their children of less than two years of age were interviewed in paediatric OPD of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital to know the infants and young child feeding practices and their nutritional status. The mothers were mostly from the lower middle and poor socioeconomic condition. About one forth of the mothers had no institutional education. Most of the mothers live in a joint family. Pre-lacteal feeding rate were 60% and most common pre-lacteal food were honey and sugar water. More than 98% mothers gave colostrums to their newborn babies. Over 24% mothers initiated breast feeding within one hour and 18% did so within 30 minutes after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding rate up to 6 completed months of age was found in only 24.4% cases and it was more in educated mothers. Continued breast feeding rate was 34.5% in 19 - 24 months age group of children. About 24% mothers started complementary feeding timely at 6 completed months of age and about 50% mothers started early before 6 months. Most common complementary foods were carbohydrate rich cooked suji, barley or rice powder mixed with either cow's milk or powdered milk. Only 18.5% mother gave khichuri as a complementary food. Bottle feeding was still higher and it was 59.3% cases. In this study, 17.4% children were severely underweight and more than twenty four percent (24.4%) was severely stunted and 2.0% were severely wasted. Malnutrition was common in those children who were nonexclusively breast fed and start complementary feeding either early or late with carbohydrate rich food. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v41i1.18774 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2012 Vol. 41 No. 1; 14-20


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