scholarly journals Maternal determinants of optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding and their association with child undernutrition in Malawi (2015–2016)

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine N. Walters ◽  
Hasina Rakotomanana ◽  
Joel J. Komakech ◽  
Barbara J. Stoecker
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Child Undernutrition ◽  
Maternal Determinants ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity

Abstract Background Optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices are critical to prevent child undernutrition. Despite the occurrence of child undernutrition and widespread suboptimal feeding practices in Malawi, the association of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and undernutrition among Malawian children remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to determine the current breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, to identify maternal determinants of each practice, and to analyze the associations between breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices with stunting, underweight, and wasting. Methods The most recent Malawi Demographic Health Survey (2015–2016) was used and data for 2294 children aged 0–23 months were included. A conceptual framework of five maternal domains: sociodemographic, health status, health behaviors, women’s empowerment, and media exposure was used. Each domain contained exposure variables and the WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding indicators were used as outcome variables. All analyses were adjusted for clustering, and variables that reached a p-value of < 0.05 were considered significant in the final model. Results Among children, 30.8% were stunted, 9.9% were underweight, and 3.7% were wasted. Many (78%) were breastfed within the first hour of birth, 89% were breastfed until their first birthday, yet 40% were not exclusively breastfed to 6 months. Only 32% met minimum dietary diversity, 23% met minimum meal frequency, 12% met minimum acceptable diet and 12% consumed iron-rich foods. Children whose mothers lived in urban areas were less likely to be breastfed within 1 hour of birth but more likely to meet minimum dietary diversity. Children whose mothers listened to radio were more likely to meet minimum meal frequency. Children (13–23 months) who met minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet were less likely to be underweight. Conclusions Optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in Malawi remain suboptimal and child undernutrition remains problematic. Maternal characteristics from the five domains were significantly associated with optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators. Knowledge of these maternal determinants can assist in improving nutrition policies and interventions that aim to impact breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and child growth in Malawi.

scholarly journals Determinants of inadequate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in Ghana

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 669-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abukari I Issaka ◽  
Kingsley E Agho ◽  
Penelope Burns ◽  
Andrew Page ◽  
Michael J Dibley
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity ◽  
Breast Fed

AbstractObjectiveTo explore complementary feeding practices and identify potential risk factors associated with inadequate complementary feeding practices in Ghana by using the newly developed WHO infant feeding indicators and data from the nationally representative 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.DesignThe source of data for the analysis was the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Analysis of the factors associated with inadequate complementary feeding, using individual-, household- and community-level determinants, was done by performing multiple logistic regression modelling.SettingGhana.SubjectsChildren (n 822) aged 6–23 months.ResultsThe prevalence of the introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods among infants aged 6–8 months was 72·6 % (95 % CI 64·6 %, 79·3 %). The proportion of children aged 6–23 months who met the minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity for breast-fed and non-breast-fed children was 46·0 % (95 % CI 42·3 %, 49·9 %) and 51·4 % (95 % CI 47·4 %, 55·3 %) respectively and the prevalence of minimum acceptable diet for breast-fed children was 29·9 % (95 % CI 26·1 %, 34·1 %). Multivariate analysis revealed that children from the other administrative regions were less likely to meet minimum dietary diversity, meal frequency and acceptable diet than those from the Volta region. Household poverty, children whose mothers perceived their size to be smaller than average and children who were delivered at home were significantly less likely to meet the minimum dietary diversity requirement; and children whose mothers did not have any postnatal check-ups were significantly less likely to meet the requirement for minimum acceptable diet. Complementary feeding was significantly lower in infants from illiterate mothers (adjusted OR=3·55; 95 % CI 1·05, 12·02).ConclusionsThe prevalence of complementary feeding among children in Ghana is still below the WHO-recommended standard of 90 % coverage. Non-attendance of postnatal check-up by mothers, cultural beliefs and habits, household poverty, home delivery of babies and non-Christian mothers were the most important risk factors for inadequate complementary feeding practices. Therefore, nutrition educational interventions to improve complementary feeding practices should target these factors in order to achieve the fourth Millennium Development Goal.

scholarly journals Complementary feeding indicators and determinants of poor feeding practices in Indonesia: a secondary analysis of 2007 Demographic and Health Survey data

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charmaine S Ng ◽  
Michael J Dibley ◽  
Kingsley E Agho
Keyword(s):  
Health Survey ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Individual Household ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess complementary feeding practices and identify the potential risk factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding in Indonesia for a nationally representative sample of births from 2004 to 2007.DesignThe data source for the analysis was the 2007 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyse the factors associated with complementary feeding, using individual-, household- and community-level determinants.SettingIndonesia.SubjectsChildren (n 4604) aged 6–23 months.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that infants from poor households were significantly less likely to be introduced to complementary feeding (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 4·32; 95 % CI 1·46, 12·80) and meet the minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 1·76; 95 % CI 1·16, 2·68). Mother's education (AOR for no education in dietary diversity = 1·92; 95 % CI 1·09, 3·38; AOR for no education in meal frequency = 2·03; 95 % CI 1·13, 3·64; AOR for no education in acceptable diet = 3·84; 95 % CI 2·07, 7·12), residence and decreased age of the infant were negatively associated with minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and an acceptable diet. Infants aged 6–11 months were also significantly less likely to meet minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 6·36; 95 % CI 4·73, 8·56), minimum meal frequency (AOR = 2·30; 95 % CI 1·79, 2·96) and minimum acceptable diet (AOR = 2·27; 95 % CI 1·67, 3·09). All geographical regions compared with Sumatra were more likely to give the recommended meal frequency and an acceptable diet to breast-fed children.ConclusionsPublic health interventions to improve complementary feeding should address individual-, household- and community-level factors which significantly influence the introduction of complementary feeding. Complementary feeding intervention programmes in Indonesia should ensure that restraints on families with low socio-economic status are addressed. Infants aged 6–11 months and mothers with low education levels may also need special focus. Promotion strategies should also target the health-care delivery system and the media.

scholarly journals Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Complementary Feeding and Child Undernutrition in the Vakinankaratra Region of Madagascar: A Mixed-Methods Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasina Rakotomanana ◽  
Deana Hildebrand ◽  
Gail E Gates ◽  
David G Thomas ◽  
Fanjaniaina Fawbush ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Maternal Knowledge ◽  
Complementary Foods ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Child Undernutrition

ABSTRACT Background Data are limited on how feeding knowledge and practices relate to child undernutrition in the highlands of Madagascar. Objectives This study assessed maternal knowledge and practices of complementary feeding and their associations with anthropometrics of children aged 6–23 mo in the Vakinankaratra region of Madagascar. Methods Knowledge was assessed using WHO recommendations on child feeding, and WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were used to evaluate feeding practices. Child growth was measured as length-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-length z-scores using the 2006 WHO growth standards. A z-score less than −2 was classified as child undernutrition. Logistic regression models were used to determine associations between independent variables and outcomes. Focus group discussions among mothers and in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted; barriers and facilitators of optimal feeding practices were identified using a thematic analysis approach. Results Maternal knowledge scores regarding child feeding averaged 6.4 of 11. Better knowledge scores were associated with higher odds of appropriate complementary feeding practices before and after covariate adjustments. The proportions of children achieving the minimum dietary diversity (35.8%), minimum acceptable diet (30.2%), and consuming meat, fish, and poultry (14.1%) were low. Only consumption of iron-rich foods was associated with lower odds of underweight (adjusted OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.7; P &lt; 0.05). None of the IYCF indicators were associated significantly with stunting or wasting. Maternal attitudes about complementary foods, as well as mothers’ workload and very low income, were identified as barriers to optimal feeding practices. Maternal perceived benefits of giving appropriate complementary foods as well as their positive relationship with the community health workers were the main facilitators of optimal child feeding. Conclusions Integrated nutrition-sensitive interventions addressing these barriers while enhancing the facilitators are critical in promoting better feeding practices in the Vakinankaratra region.

scholarly journals Minimum Diet Diversity and Minimum Meal Frequency – Do They Matter Equally? Understanding IYCF Practices in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1012-1012
Author(s):  
Ayushi Jain ◽  
Muneer Kalliyil ◽  
Satish Agnihotri
Keyword(s):  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity ◽  
Nutritional Outcomes

Abstract Objectives Infant and Young Child Feeding practices, mainly, complementary feeding in children between 6 months and two years of age, is found to be sub-optimal and emerge as the weakest link in improving child nutrition outcomes in India. Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD), comprising of two sub-indicator – Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) and Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF), serves as an essential indicator to understand the diet adequacy pattern in children. The objective of this study was thus to investigate the role of MDD-MMF dyad in influencing the nutritional outcomes in children and its pattern across regions in India. Methods Data was obtained from the National Family Health Survey – 4 (NFHS-4) from the DHS Program website. The prevalence of MMF and MDD was calculated for 640 districts in India. The MMF and MDD were classified into three categories - high, medium and low based on equal percentile distribution of their prevalence range. Districts with high MMF and high MDD formed one cohort. Similarly, eight other cohorts were created based on their performance on MMF and MDD indicator. The prevalence of Stunting (St), Wasting (Wa) and Underweight (Uw) in children between 6 months and two years of age was then calculated for each of the nine cohorts. The districts were also mapped based on their cohort category to study the variation across regions in India. Results All three anthropometric indicators – stunting, wasting and underweight showed significant decline moving across low MMF- low MDD cohort (40% St; 26.2% Wa; 37.1% Uw) to medium MMF – medium MDD cohort (38.6% St; 23.8% Wa; 35.4% Uw) to high MMF – high MDD cohort (29% St; 15.5% Wa; 19.2% Uw). Second, the importance of minimum dietary diversity in improving nutritional outcomes was revealed, as opposed to minimum meal frequency, which shows improvement only when it reaches a certain threshold. Third, mapping revealed sharp differences across various regions in MMF-MDD pattern, especially in the states like Odisha, Assam and Andhra Pradesh. States in the central region performed poorly on complementary feeding indicators, specifically diet diversity. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of optimal complementary feeding practices in improving nutrition outcomes and the need to consider the regional heterogeneities while promoting IYCF practices in India. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals Effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months in urban Moshi, Northern Tanzania: Cohort study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0250562
Author(s):  
Rachel Masuke ◽  
Sia E. Msuya ◽  
Johnson M. Mahande ◽  
Ester J. Diarz ◽  
Babill Stray-Pedersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Early Introduction ◽  
Semi Solid ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity

Introduction Childhood undernutrition is a major public health problem especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The prevalence of early introduction of complementary feeding, low meal frequency, and low dietary diversity are frequent in LMICs. The effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children is not well documented in East African countries including Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children aged 6–24 months in urban Moshi, Tanzania. Methodology A retrospective cohort study was done using the Pasua and Majengo cohorts of mother-child pairs in urban Moshi who were enrolled from 2002 to 2017. About 3355 mother-child pairs were included in the analysis. Appropriate complementary feeding practices were assessed using WHO IYFP indicators such as age at introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum meal frequency. Nutritional status (stunting, wasting, and underweight) was determined. Multilevel modeling was applied to obtain the effect of inappropriate complementary feeding practices on the nutritional status of children and to account for the clustering effect of mothers and children and the correlation of repeated measures within each child. Results Majority of the children (91.2%) were given soft/semi-solid/solid foods before six months of age, 40.3percent had low meal frequency, and 74percent had low dietary diversity. Early introduction of complementary food at age 0–1 month was statistically significantly associated with higher risks of wasting and underweight (ARR 2.9, 95%CI 1.3–6.3; and ARR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.1 respectively). Children with low minimum meal frequency had higher risks of stunting, wasting, and underweight (ARR 2.9, 95%CI 2.3–3.6; ARR 1.9, 95%CI 1.5–2.5 and ARR 1.9, 95%CI 1.5–2.4 respectively). Children with low minimum dietary diversity were more likely to be stunted than is the case with their peers who received the minimum dietary diversity (ARR 1.3, 95% CI 1.01–1.6). Conclusion There were a high proportion of children, which were fed inappropriately; Inappropriate complementary feeding practices predisposed children to undernutrition. Our study supports the introduction of complementary feeding, providing minimum dietary diversity, and minimum feeding frequency at six months of age as important in improving the nutritional status of the children.

scholarly journals Complementary Feeding Practices and Child Growth in a Region with a High Burden of Child Undernutrition in Madagascar

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 891-891
Author(s):  
Hasina Rakotomanana ◽  
Deana Hildebrand ◽  
Gail Gates ◽  
David Thomas ◽  
Barbara Stoecker
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Growth Standards ◽  
Child Undernutrition

Abstract Objectives The Vakinankaratra region of Madagascar has the highest stunting rates of the country, yet it is one of most agriculturally productive regions. The purpose of this study was to assess maternal complementary feeding practices and their association with child growth. Methods Data from a cross-sectional study of 391 mothers and their infants aged 6–23 months were analyzed. The WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were used to assess complementary feeding practices. A questionnaire for collection of sociodemographic information and 24-hour dietary recall was translated and pre-tested before data collection. Child length and weight were converted to length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length (WLZ) using the 2006 WHO Growth Standards. Linear regression models were conducted while adjusting for survey design and confounding variables. Results Stunting (69.4%) and undernutrition (23.4%) rates were very high. The proportion of children achieving minimum dietary diversity (35.8%), minimum acceptable diet (30.2%) and consuming flesh foods (14.1%) were low. Higher dietary diversity score was associated with increased LAZ [β = 0.2, P &lt; 0.05, R2 = 0.16] in 9–11 months infants only. Consuming flesh foods was associated only with higher WAZ [β = 0.41, P &lt; 0.01, R,2 = 0.10]. None of the indicators were associated with WLZ. Conclusions Complementary feeding practices were suboptimal in the Vakinankaratra region. Although crucial for optimal growth, improving feeding practices alone may not be sufficient to reduce the high prevalence of child undernutrition in the region. Funding Sources This study was funded by the Marilynn Thoma Chair in Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University.

scholarly journals Maternal complementary feeding practices and anthropometric status of children (6-23 months) in Abakaliki Nigeria, a facility based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-62
Author(s):  
Linda Obianuju Edafioghor ◽  
Uzoma Asiegbu ◽  
Chinonyelum Ezeonu ◽  
Gideon Onyedikachi Iheme ◽  
Haadi Adeduntan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Diet ◽  
One Year ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity

Sub-optimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months is a major cause of under-nutrition in developing countries. This study was designed to assess the complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children 6-23 months attending an immunization clinic at Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A total of 320 children were selected using a two-stage sampling technique. WHO/PAHO/UNICEF recommendations and WHO Child Growth Standard charts were used to categorize their complementary feeding and anthropometric indices, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Complementary feeding indicators such as timely complementary feed introduction (54.1%) and minimum dietary diversity (68.7%) were met by more than half of the respondents. But overall, complementary feeding practices were considerably poor. Low minimum meal frequency, minimum adequate diet and continued breastfeeding at one year were reported. Wasting, stunting and underweight prevalences were 12.5%, 11.3% and 8.3% respectively. Children who continued breastfeeding at one year (AOR = 0.34; CI= 0.15-0.76) or met minimum dietary diversity criteria (AOR = 0.43; CI= 0.17-1.05) were less likely to be stunted. Increased attention towards breastfeeding continuation and dietary diversity improvement using locally available/affordable food stuffs is needed.

scholarly journals Determinants and Current Level of Optimal Complementary Feeding Practices among Lactating Mothers of Children in Ambo Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-50
Author(s):  
Haile Abebe ◽  
◽  
Belay Assefa ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Maternal Knowledge ◽  
Complementary Foods ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chi Square Test

An appropriate diet is critical in the growth and development of children especially in the first two years of life. Poor complementary feeding of children aged 6 months - 23 months contributes to the characteristics negative growth trends and deaths observed in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess determinants and current level of optimal complementary feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6 months to 23 months in Ambo town, Oromia Region. The study used cross sectional study design and targeted 336 mothers with children 6 months - 23 months olds. Information from the respondents were collected using standard questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 windows statistical software. All (100%) the children 6 months - 8 months old had received solid, semi-solid/soft foods. The minimum meal frequency was attained by 88.3% (95% CI 84.3-91.4) whereas the minimum dietary diversity was attained by 17.9% (95% CI 14.1-22.5). The minimum acceptable diet was attained by 15.4% (95% CI 11.9-19.8). Maternal knowledge on: importance of breastfeeding (87.3%); age of introduction of complementary foods (85.4%) and correct meal frequency for age (74.5%) was high. On the contrary, knowledge on the importance of enriching complementary foods (34.5%) was low. Mothers who knew the importance of a diverse diet were likely (chi-square test; p=0.001) to feed their children on a diverse diet. On the other hand, mothers who knew the importance of enriching complementary foods were likely to feed their children on a minimum acceptable diet (chi-square test; p = 0.007) and maternal knowledge on enriching complementary foods (OR = 3.41, p = 0.040) were significant predictors of consumption of Vitamin A rich foods, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet, respectively. Behaviour change and communication involving all the stakeholders in infant and young child feeding should be emphasized. Messages on appropriate feeding practices should include importance of dietary diversity

scholarly journals COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING INDICATORS FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 TO 23 MONTHS ACCORDING TO BREASTFEEDING STATUS

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniella Garcia Vidal Rodrigues Leonez ◽  
Angélica Rocha de Freitas Melhem ◽  
Daniele Gonçalves Vieira ◽  
Débora Falleiros de Mello ◽  
Paula Chuproski Saldan
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Semi Solid ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify if there are differences among the complementary feeding indicators of children aged 6-23 months according to the breastfeeding status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1,355 children aged 6-23 months in 2012 to evaluate five indicators proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and modified in accordance with Brazilian’s recommendations “Ten steps to a healthy feeding: a feeding guide for children under two years old”. The indicators used were: I. Introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods; II. Minimum dietary diversity; III. Minimum meal frequency; IV. Minimum acceptable diet, and V. Consumption of iron-rich foods. To verify differences between the complementary feeding indicators according to breastfeeding status, the F-statistic was used, with p≤0.05 meaning significant. Results: Indicators I, II, and V were similar among breastfed and non-breastfed children; however, indicators III and IV presented a higher proportion of adequacy for non-breastfed children, with 94.9% (CI95% 93.2-96.2) versus 40.3% (CI95% 33.2-47.9) for indicator III, and 57.3% (CI95% 53.2-61.2) versus 23.1% (CI95% 17.4-30.1) for indicator IV. Conclusions: Non-breastfed children have better complementary feeding status, but the indicator III takes into account non-breast milk as a meal for non-breastfed children, which increased the number of dairy meals and influenced indicator IV (calculated from indicators II and III).

Influence of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices on Stunting in Children Aged 6 – 23 Months in Zambia 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Banda ◽  
Elizabeth T. Nyirenda ◽  
Chabila C. Mapoma ◽  
Bwalya B. Bwalya ◽  
Nkuye Moyo
Keyword(s):  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Minimum Dietary Diversity

Abstract Background Infant and child nutrition in Zambia remains a pressing public health problem. The Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) indicates that 35% of children under-five and 36 % among those aged 6-23 months are stunted. This study set out to assess the influence of Infant and Child Feeding (IYCF) practices on child stunting (6-23 months) in Zambia. Methods The 2008 ZDHS children’s data were analysed to measure stunting among infants aged 6-23 months. We fitted a bivariate logistic regression to measure association between feeding practices and stunting in children. Pearson’s Chi-square test of proportions measuring differences in proportions and adjusted odd ratios (AOR) with confidence intervals at 95% are reported. Results Findings indicate that 36% were stunted. IYCF practices indicators remain relatively poor in Zambia with only 13% of children age 6-23 months having received minimum acceptable diet, 23% received minimum dietary diversity and 42% received minimum meal frequency. Breastfeeding and receipt of a minimum dietary diversity reduced the odds of stunting among children age 6-23 months by 38% and 33% respectively. A child's perceived low birth size, being male, maternal anaemia status and mother's use of the internet were significant predictors of stunting.Conclusion We conclude that IYCF practices have an influence on stunting in Zambia and that socio-economic and demographic factors are likewise associated with stunting although the main determinants are amendable to intervention. Promoting the recommended WHO IYCF practices; breastfeeding, minimum meal frequency, receiving foods with diverse dietary content and accelerated investment in nutrition programs is recommended.

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