scholarly journals Effects of infant feeding practices and maternal characteristics on early childhood obesity

2019 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000635
Author(s):  
Vinusha Gunaseelan ◽  
Patricia C. Parkin ◽  
Gita Wahi ◽  
Catherine S. Birken ◽  
Jonathon L. Maguire ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal ethnicity and iron deficiency (ID) in early childhood, and to evaluate whether infant feeding practices linked to ID differ between maternal ethnic groups.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of healthy children 1–3 years of age. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between maternal ethnicity and ID (serum ferritin <12 µg/L) and the association between maternal ethnicity and five infant feeding practices (breastfeeding duration; bottle use beyond 15 months; current formula use; daily cow’s milk intake >2 cups; meat consumption).ResultsOf 1851 children included, 12.2% had ID. Compared with the European referent group, we found higher odds of ID among children of South Asian and West Asian/North African maternal ethnicities, and lower odds of ID among children of East Asian maternal ethnicity. Statistically significant covariates associated with higher odds of ID included longer breastfeeding duration and daily cow’s milk intake >2 cups. Current infant formula use was associated with lower odds of ID. Children of South Asian maternal ethnicity had higher odds of bottle use beyond 15 months of age and lower odds of meat consumption.ConclusionsWe found increased odds of ID among children of South Asian and West Asian/Northern African maternal ethnicities. We found a higher odds of feeding practices linked to ID in children of South Asian maternal ethnicity, but not in children of West Asian/North African maternal ethnicity. Culturally tailored approaches to providing guidance to parents on healthy infant feeding practices may be important to prevent ID in early childhood.Trial registration numberNCT01869530.


Author(s):  
Whitney N. Hamilton

The decision to formula feed or breastfeed a child typically begins with an established prenatal intention. This chapter will examine the multiple dimensions influencing maternal decision-making in regards to the feeding practices of infants including 1) individual maternal characteristics, 2) organizational factors, 3) hospital/provider recommendations, and 4) systematic/policy factors. The chapter will also examine the impact of infant feeding practices on early infant and childhood health outcomes. Research has demonstrated the benefits of breastfeeding on infants and early childhood which includes but is not limited to protection against common illnesses and infections, improved IQ , and even increased school attendance. Moreover, the World Health Assembly global nutrition objectives focus on encouraging breastfeeding support across all sectors in addition to implementing tailored community-based approaches, limiting the excessive marketing of infant formula, and enforcing supportive breastfeeding legislation. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the dynamic interplay between individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors, such as policies that impact breastfeeding rates and more specifically the health of infants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 983-983
Author(s):  
Amy Mobley ◽  
Danielle Jake-Schoffman ◽  
David Fedele ◽  
Elder Varela ◽  
Jamie Zeldman

Abstract Objectives With the recent addition of nutrition guidance for children under the age of 2 years to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines, new strategies are needed to communicate reputable feeding information to parents of infants and toddlers for optimal nutrition and prevention of early childhood obesity. The objective of this study was to determine usability of a mHealth app prototype (BabyByte) containing early childhood feeding guidance based on recommended responsive feeding practices for parents of children ages 0 to 2 years old. Methods Parents participated in one-on-one cognitive interviews about the basic use and navigation of BabyByte and were probed to locate specific sections within the app, read the information on each page, and complete interactive tasks. Interviews were conducted by a trained research assistant and recorded via Zoom software. Each participant also completed the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ) to rate overall usability, ease of use, interface satisfaction, and usefulness based on a 7-point Likert Scale. Mean MAUQ scores were calculated, with higher scores indicating higher usability of the app. Interview audio files were transcribed verbatim and response themes were aggregated using a content analysis approach. Results Parents (n = 20) were, on average, 30.7 years old with the majority self-reporting as white (95%), Hispanic (55%), having a bachelor's degree or higher (65%), working full-time (55%), and currently married (80%). On average, parents agreed or strongly agreed (6.5 ± 0.7 out of 7) that the app had high usability based on the MAUQ results. Ease of use (6.64 ± 0.6), interface and satisfaction (6.4 ± 0.9), and usefulness (6.3 ± 1.0) of the app received high ratings. Interview responses indicated that parents found the app prototype to be user-friendly and intuitive. Suggestions included minor changes in delivery, layout, and addition of supplemental and interactive content thus demonstrating the fit of the mHealth app with parent needs and preferences. Conclusions Parents of children ages 0 to 2 years old favorably rated the usability of BabyByte. With further revisions and expansion, BabyByte may be a feasible intervention tool to improve responsive practices by parents and prevent early childhood obesity. Funding Sources University of Florida CTSI


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luz E Vera-Becerra ◽  
Ana I Rodriguez-Guerra ◽  
CLAUDIA MARTINEZ-CORDERO

Abstract Breast feeding and complementary feeding practices are crucial for health across the life. The purpose of the study was to know some infant feeding practices in a Mexican indigenous population. Twenty Mexican indigenous mothers with children under two-year age answered a semi-structured interview. Most of the mothers reported to feed their children with breast milk during the first months, although exclusive breastfeeding did not meet the recommended time mainly due to cultural factors. We conclude the mothers followed the preferences and signals of the child for complementary feeding, and instinctively determined how and when to offer different foods to breast milk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1333-1333
Author(s):  
Amy Mobley ◽  
Danielle Jake Schoffman ◽  
David Fedele ◽  
Briana de Cola ◽  
Elder Varela

Abstract Objectives Responsive feeding is associated with reduced risk of early childhood obesity. The objective of this qualitative study was to determine parents’ preferred content and features for a mHealth app designed to improve responsive feeding practices. Methods Parents of 0–2 year old children completed individual semi-structured interviews with a trained researcher. Interview questions were informed by the Technology Acceptance Model and parents provided feedback on preferred app content and features. An app prototype, BabyByte, was developed using the Marvel platform to discuss potential app features during the interview. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded by two researchers using a thematic analysis approach and major themes were summarized. Results Parents (n = 40) were, on average, 33.2 years old with the majority self-reporting as non-Hispanic white (53%), a bachelor's degree or higher education (62%), and low-income (53%). Half of the participants were fathers. Overall, the majority (85%) of parents indicated that they would be likely or very likely to use BabyByte. Themes revealed that parents were most interested in topics related to introducing new foods, feeding tips, example meals, recipes, and food allergy guidance. Features including personalized profile set-up, video content, goal setting, milestone tracking, ask an expert, discussion forum, and an app search box were noted as most important or helpful by parents. Convenient access, up-to-date content from a reputable and identifiable source, and incentives for completing modules were indicated as important benefits. Conclusions Findings of this study are important considerations for the development of future mHealth tools for parents of infants and toddlers to improve responsive feeding practices and prevent early childhood obesity. Usability testing of BabyByte is currently in progress. Funding Sources University of Florida CTSI.


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