scholarly journals An Innovative Grandmother-Inclusive Approach for Addressing Suboptimal Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in Sierra Leone

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget A Aidam ◽  
Carolyn A MacDonald ◽  
Rebecca Wee ◽  
Joseph Simba ◽  
Judi Aubel ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Suboptimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices contribute to child undernutrition. Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey data show that IYCF practices remain poor despite modest improvements. Recent studies have identified the role of grandmothers as critical to child nutrition; however, in Sierra Leone to date, the potential for grandmothers to influence IYCF practices has not been investigated. Objectives We examined how an innovative grandmother-inclusive approach (GMIA) can be used to address suboptimal IYCF practices. Methods Using a quasi-experimental design, we compared IYCF beliefs and practices between GMIA intervention communities (receiving monthly dialogue sessions on nutrition, quarterly community praise sessions, and intergenerational forums) and comparison communities (receiving standard nutrition education) in Bum chiefdom from 2013 and 2016. The quantitative endline survey targeted 101 pregnant women, 291 women with children aged <2 y, and 219 grandmothers. Statistical analyses utilized t tests and χ2 tests to examine differences between intervention and comparison communities at endline. Multivariate regression was used to determine the intervention's effect on IYCF outcomes of interest. Results Awareness of and participation in the GMIA was high among mothers and grandmothers in intervention communities. The percentage of infants and young children aged 0–23 mo (n = 291) exclusively breastfed during the first week of life was significantly higher in the intervention group (90.2% compared with 79.4%, P = 0.01). Among infants aged 6–23 mo (n = 219), the percentage achieving minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet was significantly higher in the intervention group (77.2% compared with 51.8%, P < 0.001; and 53.8% compared with 22.6%, P < 0.001, respectively). Differences in percentages achieving minimum meal frequency (MMF) were only significant for infants aged 9–23 mo, with the intervention group achieving a higher MMF (54.6% compared with 36.9%, P = 0.02). Conclusions Results suggest that a GMIA that recognizes grandmothers’ roles and strengthens their knowledge can contribute to improved IYCF practices.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (04) ◽  
pp. 17834-17853
Author(s):  
Edward Kansiime ◽  
◽  
MK Kabahenda ◽  
E Bonsi ◽  
◽  
...  

Despite improvements in food production and healthcare services, the burden of malnutrition in Uganda has for the last 30yearsremained unacceptably high with rates of stunting (chronic undernutrition) and anemia (proxy for micronutrient deficiency) currently estimated at 29% and 53%,respectively among young children aged 6-59 months. Considering that both undernutrition and over nutrition are greatly attributed to monotonous diets characterized by limited dietary diversity and overdependence on starchy refined grains or roots as staples,there is need to improve the population’s awareness of appropriate dietary practices. To improve nutrition education, the Infant and Young Child-feeding national counseling cards for community volunteers (IYCF cards)that were developed by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are currently the standard package used in Uganda’s health sector to educate caregivers on appropriate child-feeding practices. In this study, the effectiveness of a three-group food guide was evaluated against IYCF cards.A randomized, controlled intervention trial engaged three randomly selected distant groups of child-caregiver pairs (n=40) concurrently in one of three treatments namely: (i) nutrition education using a three-foodgroup guide (FG), (ii) nutrition education using age-appropriate IYCF cards, and (iii) negative control group that engaged in hair-plaiting sessions. At baseline, all groups had randomly selected caregivers of children aged 6-14 months and were met once a week for five consecutive weeks during the intervention. Caregivers were interviewed at baseline and 2 months after the interventions to determine changes in child-feeding practices while their children were concurrently measured to determine changes in their nutritional status.At baseline, caregivers in the three treatment arms exhibited inappropriate child-feeding practices indicated by low child-feeding index (CFI) scores,which were also related to poor nutritional status of their children. After the interventions, children in FG group were given more varied animal-source foods than those in IYCF cards group (p =0.02). Compared to controls, caregivers in FG group gave their children significantly more snacks (p = 0.01), their child-feeding practices indicated by CFI scores significantly improved (p = 0.001) and their children exhibited better growth patterns indicated by weight-for-age (p = 0.02) and MUAC-for-age (p = 0.03) Z-scores.These findings,therefore,indicate that the three-group food guide is more likely to improve child-feeding practices and growth patterns than IYCF cards.Hence, there is need to integrate the food guide into IYCF materials to foster child-feeding practices and growth.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3851
Author(s):  
Umi Fahmida ◽  
Min Kyaw Htet ◽  
Elaine Ferguson ◽  
Tran Thanh Do ◽  
Annas Buanasita ◽  
...  

The need for a multisectoral approach to tackle stunting has gained attention in recent years. Baduta project aims to address undernutrition among children during their first 1000 days of life using integrated nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions. We undertook this cohort study to evaluate the Baduta project’s effectiveness on growth among children under 2 years of age in two districts (Sidoarjo and Malang Districts) in East Java. Six subdistricts were randomly selected, in which three were from the intervention areas, and three were from the control areas. We recruited 340 pregnant women per treatment group during the third trimester of pregnancy and followed up until 18 months postpartum. The assessment of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices used standard infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators in a tablet-based application. We measured weight and length at birth and every three-months after that. The enumerators met precision and accuracy criteria following an anthropometry standardization procedure. Among the breastfed children, the percentage of children who achieved the minimum dietary diversity score (DDS) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was higher for the intervention group than the comparison group across all age groups. The odd ratios were 3.49 (95% CI: 2.2–5.5) and 2.79 (95% CI: 1.7–4.4) for DDS and 3.49 (95% CI: 2.2–5.5) and 2.74 (95% CI: 1.8–5.2) for MAD in the 9–11 month and 16–18-month age groups, respectively. However, there was no significant improvement in growth or reduction in the prevalence of anemia. The intervention was effective in improving the feeding practices of children although it failed to show significant improvement in linear growth of children at 18 months of age.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
VICTOR MOGRE ◽  
Kingsley B Appiah ◽  
Ernest K Cheyuo ◽  
Abdul-Mumin Alhassan ◽  
Martin A Ayanore ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Appropriate complementary feeding is critical for optimal nutrition in infant and young children as it ensures their growth, health and development to attain their full potential. However, evidence shows children from developing countries do not meet the core indicators for appropriate complementary feeding. We evaluated mothers’ competency in infant and young child feeding recommendations and their association to complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months.Methods This cross-sectional study included 200 children aged 6–23 months and their mothers/care givers recruited during the child welfare clinics of two health facilities in Ghana. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess determinants of appropriate diet.Results Sixty-eight percent of the mothers knew the recommended duration of continued breastfeeding, 56.5% how to ensure dietary diversity and enrich their children’s diets and 94% (n = 188) had positive attitude towards recommended infant and young child feeding practices. Majority of the mothers (92%, n = 183) practiced continued breastfeeding, 10.5% of the children met minimum diet diversity score, 39.5% minimum meal frequency and 8.5% received minimum acceptable diet. Determinants of receipt of minimum adequate diet were: having high knowledge in child feeding recommendations (100% vs. 0.0; p < 0.001) and child’s father reportedly earning enough financially (AOR = 12.1 (1.32–109.72; p = 0.027).Conclusion Poor complementary feeding practices were common and mother’s knowledge levels regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations as well as the income levels of the child’s father were important determinants of appropriate diet. Nutrition education should emphasis on improving mothers’ nutrition knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding and supporting mothers to overcome barriers to feed their children with appropriate complementary foods.


Author(s):  
Arulprasad Radjasegarane ◽  
Anandaraj Rajagopal ◽  
Prakash Mathiyalagen ◽  
Kavita Vasudevan

Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) are essential to address the increasing burden of malnutrition and for the overall development of the children. The present study was conducted to estimate the proportion of optimal infant and young child feeding practices among rural children aged 0 to 23 months and study the associated socio demographic factors.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 children in the age group of 0 to 23 months in a rural field practice area of a medical college in Puducherry. Data on IYCF practices were collected using a standardized tool developed by WHO. Core and optional IYCF indicators were calculated. Chi-square test and Fishers’ exact test were used as tests of significance.Results: Almost 88.0% of infants were initiated early on breastfeeding and 90.8% were exclusively breastfed for six months. Children who were continuously breastfed at one year and two years were 77.4% and 22.4% respectively. About 75.0% were introduced with solid or semisolid foods at 6 to 8 months of age. Among children aged 6 to 23 months, 77.3% had the recommended minimum dietary diversity, 81.3% had the minimum meal frequencies, while 57.7% received the minimum acceptable diet and only 39.4% consumed iron rich foods. Gender was significantly associated with the practice of continued breastfeeding at one year, adequate minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency.Conclusions: The core and optional IYCF indicators were acceptably good in the initial six months of life but thereafter showed suboptimal levels, which should be emphasized among the mothers or primary care givers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew M Graziose ◽  
Shauna M Downs ◽  
Quentin O’Brien ◽  
Jessica Fanzo

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the design, implementation and effectiveness of mass media and nutrition education interventions for improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and related psychosocial factors.DesignA search of PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases, a Google search, and a consultation with experts in the field of IYCF performed in July 2016.SettingLow- and middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank Group.SubjectsEligible studies: included a mass media component (with or without nutrition education); conducted a pre–post evaluation (with or without a control group); assessed IYCF knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and/or practices; and were published in English between 2000 and present.ResultsEighteen unique studies were identified that examined the effect of mass media (types included: television; print; voice and/or SMS (text) messages; radio; megaphones/loudspeakers; videos; social media; songs/dramas) and nutrition education interventions on IYCF practices within thirteen countries. Of these, fifteen studies reported improvements in breast- and/or complementary feeding practices, using indicators recommended by the WHO, and six studies reported improvements in related psychosocial factors. However, little detail was provided on the use of formative research, a formal behaviour change theory and behaviour change techniques. Few studies reported both dose delivered and participants’ exposure to the intervention.ConclusionsDespite evidence of effectiveness, few common elements in the design of interventions were identified. Future research should consistently report these details to open the ‘black box’ of IYCF interventions, identify effective design components and ensure replicability.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Sultana Sobnam Dipu ◽  
Md Tufael Hossain ◽  
Maksuda Begum ◽  
AHM Hasan ◽  
Fakir Sameul Alam ◽  
...  

This study was done to know about infant and young child feeding by mothers in a selected rural area of Mymensingh and to assess nutritional status of infant and young child. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample size was 625. Sample size and study area was purposively selected. The study was conducted from December 2016 to January 2017 in Churkhai and Winnerpar villages of Bhavokhali union of Sadar upazila Mymensingh. Data were collected on a predesigned questionnaire by direct interviewing the respondents. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 16. A total of 625 mothers who had one child aged between newborn to 24 months participated in the study. Age of mothers ranged from 15 years to 50 years. Mean age of mothers was 24.56 years and standard deviation 5.36 years. Most of the mothers belonged to 15 to 24 years of age. The age of children ranged from newborn to 24 months. Mean age of children was 15.16 months, standard deviation 7.51 months. Majority of children belonged to 19 to 24 months. Majority (54.72%) had normal nutrition. Breast feeding continued up to the age when interviewed, offering colostrums and breast feeding given within half an hour after delivery were excellent among 63.36% of mothers. Weaning in due time, appropriate servings and weaning food appropriate were excellent among 74.80% of mothers of weaning age child. Exclusive breast feeding 74.02% and breast feeding continued up to the age of 24 months were 79.33% were good. Infant and Young Child Feeding practices observed in this study though better than other studies, needs more attention for improved child nutrition and survival. CBMJ 2016 July: Vol. 05 No. 02 P: 21-25


2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Banani Chakraborty ◽  
Jubaida Rumana ◽  
Hosne Ara Begum ◽  
Afsana Afroz

Background: Proper feeding practices during the first two years of life is essential for growth nutrition and development of young children. Optimum infant and young child feeding can reduce childhood mortality and morbidity significantly. Present study was done to know the infant and young child feeding pattern in the children of 0-23 months of age attending out patient department of an urban hospital.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 314 mother/child pair attending the outpatient department of an urban hospital during the period of September 2014 to December 2014.Result: 68.5% children had early initiation of breast feeding and exclusive breast feeding among children below 6 months was 66.8%.Continued breast feeding among the children of 12 to 15 months was 80.4% and 84.2 % children were given solid food at 6 months of age. Adequate minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimal acceptable diet among children 6-23 months were 61.4%,57.3% and 39.4% respectively.64.5%% children were taking iron rich food or supplementation.Conclusion: Early initiation of breast feeding(0-23mo) and Exclusive breastfeeding(0- 6mo) were satisfactory in the study children but IYCF practice in children of 6-23 months was not optimum and far away from the HPNSDP 2011-2016 target of 52% of children to be fed with minimum acceptable diet.Bangladesh J Child Health 2016; VOL 40 (2) :92-97


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamramat I Runsewe-Abiodun ◽  
Francis S Bondi ◽  
Adekunle D. Alabi ◽  
Ahmed M. Taqi

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne S Morseth ◽  
Liv Elin Torheim ◽  
Mekdes K Gebremariam ◽  
Ram K Chandyo ◽  
Manjeswori Ulak ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and the tracking of dietary diversity score (DDS), intakes of Fe- and vitamin A-rich foods and meal frequency in a peri-urban area in Nepal. Furthermore, to explore whether sociodemographic factors were associated with tracking patterns of these IYCF practices.DesignLongitudinal study. Monthly food intake was measured by 24 h recall. Four time slots were used (9–12, 13–16, 17–20 and 21–24 months). Tracking of IYCF practices was investigated using generalized estimating equations (GEE) models and Cohen’s weighted kappa. Multinominal logistic regression was used to identify determinants for tracking of the IYCF practices.SettingBhaktapur municipality, Nepal.SubjectsChildren (n 229) aged 9–24 months, randomly selected.ResultsPrevalence of minimum meal frequency was higher than for minimum dietary diversity at all time slots. Tracking based on absolute measures (GEE models) was moderate for DDS (0·48) and meal frequency (0·53), and low for intakes of Fe- (0·23) and vitamin A-rich (0·35) foods. Tracking based on rank measured was moderate for DDS and meal frequency, and fair for Fe- and vitamin A-rich foods. Low socio-economic status significantly increased the odds (OR; 95 % CI) of tracking of low v. high DDS (3·31; 1·44, 7·60) and meal frequency (3·46; 1·54, 7·76).ConclusionsLow tracking for intakes of Fe- and vitamin A-rich foods implies that interventions to improve these IYCF practices must address underlying causes for irregular intake to have sustainable effects.


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