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Birhanu MT, Liga AD, Jabir YN. Practices of hygiene during complementary food feeding and associated factors among women with children aged 6-24 months in Dedo district, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1771. [PMID: 38111740 PMCID: PMC10725999 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Poor food handling practices contribute to food contamination, leading to food-borne illnesses and childhood diarrhea in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study examines hygienic complementary food feeding practices and associated characteristics among women with children ages 6-24 months in the Dedo District. Method A community-oriented cross-sectional study design was used in a multistage sampling strategy to gather information from 501 mothers of children between May 25 and July 10, 2022. There were absolute and relative frequencies assigned to each variable. Multiple logistic models have been used for factors that were 20% significant in univariate analysis. Odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were produced to identify the important predictors. Results This study showed that mothers with a diploma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 11.2; CI: 5.51-22.8), urban residency (AOR = 6.35; CI: 3.57-11.3), a positive attitude toward hygienic complementary food feeding (AOR = 2.23; CI: 1.19-4.20), good knowledge of complementary food feeding practices (AOR = 3.95; CI: 2.39-6.55), access to a hand washing facility close to the latrine (AOR = 2.60; CI: 1.55-4.36), and access to water close to their home (AOR = 2.42; CI: 1.27-4.59) were highly associated with good hygiene practices of mothers. Conclusion This study shows that mothers of children aged between 6 and 24 months have a very low overall prevalence of good hygienic complementary feeding practices. The concerned parties should therefore establish a healthcare educational program for mothers that emphasizes the importance of hand washing and informs them about the dangers of improper complementary feeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abebe D. Liga
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational SciencesWolkite UniversityWolkiteEthiopia
| | - Yasin N. Jabir
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural ScienceJimma UniversityJimmaEthiopia
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Adugnaw E, Gizaw G, Girma M, Arage G, Libanos M, Emrie WA, Chanie SS, Chanie ES. The median time to stopover exclusive breastfeeding among employed and unemployed mothers of infants aged 6-12 months in Ethiopia, 2019. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6259. [PMID: 37069205 PMCID: PMC10110562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29729-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Early discontinuation of breastfeeding is known to be associated with avoidable childhood morbidity and mortality. The effect of maternal employment on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants has not been addressed adequately in in Ethiopia in general and in the stud area in particular. Hence, this study was aimed to compare the time to stop exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants among employed and unemployed mothers of infants 6-12 months of age. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 426 mothers were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. The Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank test was used to compare the difference in cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months. Bivariate and Cox proportional hazards model were computed. Hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were computed to determine the level of significance. Four hundred twenty-six (213 employed and 213 un-employed) mothers were included in the final analysis. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 4 months and 6 months for infants of employed and unemployed mothers, respectively. The likelihood of ceasing of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months of age was significantly associated with family support of exclusive breastfeeding [AHR = 3.99, 95% CI (1.9, 8.3)], and lack of exclusive breastfeeding counseling during postnatal care [AHR = 7.76, 95% CI (2.99, 20.1)], primipara mothers [AHR = 1.5, 95% CI (1.14, 2.04)], maternity leave of 4 months [AHR = 7, 95% CI 2.2, 22.2)] and employed mothers [AHR = 3.77, 95% CI (2.4, 5.9)]. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was shorter among employed mothers than un-employed mothers. It is clear from this study that cessation of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with the duration of paid maternity leave for employed mothers. Family support and perceived adequacy of breast milk were associated with cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months among unemployed mothers.
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Mothers' feeding practices among infants (4-12 months) and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia. J Nutr Sci 2022; 11:e83. [PMID: 36304820 PMCID: PMC9554420 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2022.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A global target of increasing exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) to at least 50 % by the year 2025 was set by the WHO for infants under 6 months. The lowest prevalence in the world was found in the Eastern Mediterranean region in 2010-18 and little is known about the status of mothers' feeding practices in Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to assess mothers' actual feeding and weaning practices used with their infants by the mothers' different age groups. The present study was conducted among 247 mothers of infants aged 4-12 months who were attending public well-baby clinics. Quantitative data were obtained by nutritionists using an electronic semi-structured questionnaire about mothers' feeding practices. Only 5·3 % of mothers engaged in EBF, 44·9 % breast-fed their infants after an hour of birth, while 92·7 % of infants had ever been breast-fed. The average intent/plan to continue breast-feeding was 4·9(±3·1) months. Younger mothers introduced weaning food around 4 weeks earlier than older mothers (mean differences were -0·4, 95 % CI -0·71, -0·13; P = 0·031). A total of 64·3 % of infants received complementary feeding before completing 17 weeks. Maternal age group and delivery mode were the only factors associated with the early introduction of complementary feeding. A total of 69·2 % of the mothers believed that 'it is a good time' and 61·1 % felt that 'infants are hungry and need other sources of food'. Online sources and family advice were the top sources of information on mothers' feeding practices. Provision of professional advice about EBF and optimal weaning practices are significant areas for improvement in terms of compliance with recommended infant feeding practices.
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Mphasha MH, Mokubela G, Ramokotedi T, Kgari T. Exploratory study on factors influencing the introduction of complementary feeding amongst caregivers of children between 6 and 24 months of age in Polokwane, Limpopo province. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2022. [DOI: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Maas-Mendoza E, Vega-Sánchez R, Vázquez-Osorio IM, Heller-Rouassant S, Flores-Quijano ME. Infant Feeding Practices That Substitute Exclusive Breastfeeding in a Semi-Rural Mexican Community: Types, Moments, and Associated Factors. Nutrients 2022; 14:2017. [PMID: 35631158 PMCID: PMC9146950 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
International organizations recommend mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first six months of their infant's life and introduce complementary feeding (CF) thereafter while continuing breastfeeding. However, the earlier introduction of liquids and foods is common worldwide and may have negative effects on breastfeeding practice, nutrition, and health. In this formative cross-sectional study, we interviewed 143 mothers from semi-rural communities in Tabasco, Mexico, whose infants were 4-6 months old. We explored (1) which feeding practices substituted EBF and (2) which factors were associated with each practice. During the first month of life, 42.7% of infants received formula milk (FM); this proportion increased to 74.5% by the sixth month. Adjusted Poisson regression analyses showed that giving FM was positively related to working away from home (PR 1.27; 95% CI 1.06, 1.54) and the perception that FM is an important food to accompany breast milk (PR 1.38; 95% CI 1.19, 1.70). Giving FM was negatively associated with not being sure the infant is full after breastfeeding (PR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61, 0.92). Regarding CF, less than half (47.5%) of infants had not received it by the fifth month. Factors positively associated with timely CF introduction were: the mother was told during prenatal care visits the optimal age to start CF is 6 months (PR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06, 1.29); she is convinced that giving only breast milk is best for her baby (PR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03, 1.29), and a higher infant weight-for-length (PR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00, 1.08) and length for age (PR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00, 1.09) z-scores at the study visit; conversely, it was negatively associated to the idea that if the infant is not full, she/he should receive formula milk or some other food (PR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78, 0.96). In these communities, EBF is lost to the use of FM and early CF. The factors associated with these inadequate feeding practices are related to returning to work, information received during prenatal visits, and the mother's beliefs and thoughts. This work will guide the design of an intervention on infant feeding practices for these communities and other similar ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Maas-Mendoza
- Licenciatura de Nutrición, División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa 86040, Tabasco, Mexico; (E.M.-M.); (I.M.V.-O.)
| | - Rodrigo Vega-Sánchez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioprogramación, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México, Miguel Hidalgo 11000, Mexico;
| | - Inocente Manuel Vázquez-Osorio
- Licenciatura de Nutrición, División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa 86040, Tabasco, Mexico; (E.M.-M.); (I.M.V.-O.)
- Jurisdicción Sanitaria 4 del Municipio de Centro, Secretaría de Salud, Villahermosa 86190, Tabasco, Mexico
| | | | - María Eugenia Flores-Quijano
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioprogramación, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México, Miguel Hidalgo 11000, Mexico;
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Time to Early Cessation of Exclusive Breast Feeding and Associated Factors among 6-12 months old children: Survival analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 50:283-288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Almeida MAM, Rossato SL, Ferrari AP, de Barros Gomes C, Tonete VLP, de Lima Parada CMG, de Barros Leite Carvalhaes MA. The Determinants of Complementary Feeding Introduction Vary According to the Type of Food and Infants' Ages: A Cohort Study-ClaB, Brazil. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:1384-1400. [PMID: 35088296 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Food inadequacies in the first 6 months of life are considered a global problem, with an emphasis on early complementary feeding introduction (CFI). This study aimed to identify the determinants of CFI. METHODS A birth cohort study (N = 641). Data on infant feeding was collected before 30 days, and at 2, 4, and 6 months of age and, at baseline, data regarding socioeconomic status, demographics, maternal and infant health, obstetric history, and infant care. The hypothesis was that the risk determinants for early CFI vary according to the type of food and the age range of this introduction. Twelve Cox regression models were fit with four outcomes (formula; other types of milk; other beverages; and solid/semi-solid foods) considering three different age ranges of the infant at their introduction (< 2 months, 2-4 months, and 4-6 months). RESULTS The introduction of the four food groups analyzed was early (median ages of introduction: formulas = 45 days; other milks = 135 days; other beverages = 120 days; solids and semi-solids = 135 days). The determinants that increased the risk of introducing formulas before 2 months were: primiparity, employed without maternity leave, mothers with unsatisfactory prenatal counseling and those who had cesarean sections. Not living with a partner, infant pacifier use at 2 months of age had a higher risk of introducing formula between 2 and 4 months of age. Non-white skin color, more than 35 years old, low maternal education, and lower family income increased the risk of introducing other types of milk between 2 and 4 months of age. Between 4 and 6 months of age, adolescent and low education level mothers had a higher risk of introducing other types of milk, unemployed was a protective factor against the introduction of other foods and beverages in this age group. CONCLUSIONS The determinants of early CFI varied according to the type of food and the age of introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiara Aparecida Mialich Almeida
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil. .,Departamento de Enfermagem, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil.
| | - Sinara Laurini Rossato
- Department of Public Health, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Anna Paula Ferrari
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Caroline de Barros Gomes
- Department of Public Health, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Pamplona Tonete
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Garcia de Lima Parada
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Maria Antonieta de Barros Leite Carvalhaes
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Avenida Professor Montenegro, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18618-970, Brazil
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Graf MD, Lutenbacher M, Wasser H, Dietrich MS, Karp SM. Choking, allergic reactions, and pickiness: A qualitative study of maternal perceived threats and risk avoidance strategies during complementary feeding. Appetite 2022; 171:105914. [PMID: 35007666 PMCID: PMC8842507 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An infant's early eating experiences influence later growth and health. However, motivators for mothers' complementary feeding decisions for their infants, such as the process of introducing solid foods, remains unclear. This qualitative study identified maternal perceived threats surrounding complementary feeding and strategies mothers use to mitigate perceived threats of adverse feeding-related health outcomes for their infants. Twenty-seven mothers participated in private, semi-structured interviews. Inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis revealed three primary themes of maternal perceived threats: a) choking, b) allergic reaction, and c) pickiness. Within each primary theme were sub-themes that further delineated the perceived threats and outlined specific and focused complementary feeding practices (CFPs) mothers used for each type of perceived threat. Findings suggest mothers have difficulty with estimating the likelihood and severity of risks and rely on elevated threat perception to guide their feeding decisions. CFPs used to prevent perceived threats were disproportionate to risks, and, at times, actually introduced additional, alternative risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Lutenbacher
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, United States
| | - Heather Wasser
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, United States; Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, United States
| | - Sharon M Karp
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, United States
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Afolabi K, Afolabi A, Omishakin MY. Complementary feeding and associated factors: Assessing compliance with recommended guidelines
among postpartum mothers in Nigeria. POPULATION MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.18332/popmed/138939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Non-exclusive breast feeding and its factors in the first 6-month life of infants among mother-infant pairs of 6-12 months in Debre Tabor town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: community-based cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06922. [PMID: 33997424 PMCID: PMC8102764 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-exclusive breastfeeding is becoming a major cause of infant and child morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. Objective To assess the prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding and its factors in the first 6 months life of infants among mother-infant pairs of 6–12 months in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 860 mother-infant pairs of 6–12 months in Debre Tabor Town, from March 1–30/2019. To select study participants cluster sampling technique was employed. Data were entered into EPI info version 7.2.0.1 and exported to SPSS window version 20 for analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to see the association between dependent and independent variables. The odds' ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed. Results The prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding of mothers to their infants within the first 6 months was found to be 39.8% (95% CI: 36.6–43.0). Mothers whose husbands had no formal education [(Adjusted odds ratio AOR = 6.60 [95%CI: 4.14, 10.41)], primary education (AOR = 4.30 [95% CI: 2.62, 7.20]), Mothers governmental employed (AOR = 8.20 [95% CI: 5.191, 12.940]), daily laborer (AOR = 1.70 [95% CI: 1.01, 2.90]), merchant mothers (AOR = 0.44 [95% CI: 0.35, 0.90]), and Mothers who had no post-natal care follow up for current baby in health service (AOR = 2.40 [95% CI: 1.56, 3.76]) were significantly associated with outcome. Conclusion and Recommendations: High proportion of mothers practiced Early Initiation of Complementary feeding within the first 6 months. Husbands had no formal education, primary education maternal governmental employed, daily laborer, merchant, and mothers who had no post-natal follow up where were found to be a predictors variable. Hence,; it is better to increase annual leave for delivered mothers, improve awareness of husbands towards benefits of introducing complementary feeding timely, and advise mothers to improve post-natal period follow up.
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Facteurs associés à l’âge d’initiation de la diversification alimentaire chez des enfants âgés de 6 à 60 mois dans l’est algérien : corrélation à l’état nutritionnel. NUTR CLIN METAB 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nupar.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Taha Z, Garemo M, Nanda J. Complementary feeding practices among infants and young children in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1308. [PMID: 32854658 PMCID: PMC7453515 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09393-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal complementary feeding (CF) promotes health and supports growth and development in children. While suboptimal feeding practices are reported for many countries, very limited information exists about such practices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The present study describes CF practices in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and evaluates them using the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Programming Guide: Infant and Young Child Feeding. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, participating mothers of children below the age of two reported on their children's CF introduction and practices via a structured questionnaire. The study received ethical approval (ZU17_006_F) from Zayed University. RESULTS Out of 1822 participating mothers, 938 had initiated complementary feeding for their children, who had a mean age of 7.1 ± 5.9 months. Three quarters of the children (72.2%) were introduced to CF in a timely manner between the ages of 6 and 9 months. A majority (71.4%) consumed ≥4 food groups, i.e. the recommended minimum diet diversity. In total, less than half (47.3%) of the children met the requirements for minimum meal frequency, with the non-breastfed, 6-23 month old children being the least compliant (21.9%) (p < 0.001). Many children were fed with sugar-containing snack items. Overall, 36.2% of the children aged ≥6 months had a minimum acceptable diet. CONCLUSION The gap between the suboptimal CF practices and the recommendations may be attributable to poor knowledge about feeding practices rather than food availability problems. Effective intervention programs can facilitate improvements in the feeding practices to better support a healthy upbringing among Abu Dhabi infants and toddlers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Taha
- Department of Health Sciences, CNHS, Zayed University, PO Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Malin Garemo
- Department of Health Sciences, CNHS, Zayed University, PO Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Joy Nanda
- The John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD USA
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Binns C, Lee MK, Yun Low W, Baker P, Bulgiba A, Dahlui M, Thuy Duong DT, Guldan G, Hairi N, Hokama T, Kagawa M, Karunathilake I, Abdul Majid H, Maycock B, Nanishi K, Qiu L, Raheem RA, Scott J, Tang L. Guidelines for Complementary Feeding of Infants in the Asia Pacific Region: APACPH Public Health Nutrition Group. Asia Pac J Public Health 2020; 32:179-187. [PMID: 32475150 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520931328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Good nutrition in the first "1000 days," including breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods, prepares for a healthy childhood and adult life, also contributes to the prevention of the double burden of malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding provides all required nutrients until an infant is around 6 months of age when complementary foods are needed. A literature review was undertaken of complementary foods in the Asia Pacific region. The foods being used at present are often of low nutrient density may provide insufficient amounts of some critical nutrients, and generally the variety is limited. Guidelines for complementary feeding are provided to assist in education and in public health planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Binns
- Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mi Kyung Lee
- Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wah Yun Low
- University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Philip Baker
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Georgia Guldan
- University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Noran Hairi
- University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | | | - Bruce Maycock
- Asia Pacific Academic Consortium of Public Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Liqian Qiu
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Jane Scott
- Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Li Tang
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Arora A, Manohar N, Hector D, Bhole S, Hayen A, Eastwood J, Scott JA. Determinants for early introduction of complementary foods in Australian infants: findings from the HSHK birth cohort study. Nutr J 2020; 19:16. [PMID: 32070350 PMCID: PMC7029498 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-020-0528-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the timing of introduction of complementary (solid) foods among infants in South Western Sydney, Australia, and describe the maternal and infant characteristics associated with very early introduction of solids. METHODS Mother-infant dyads (n = 1035) were recruited into the "Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids" study by Child and Family Health Nurses at the first post-natal home visit. Data collected via telephone interviews at 8, 17, 34 and 52 weeks postpartum included timing of introduction of solids and a variety of maternal and infant characteristics (n = 934). Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with the risk of introducing solids very early, which for the purpose of this study was defined as being before 17 weeks. RESULTS The median age of introduction of solids was 22 weeks. In total, 13.6% (n = 127) of infants had received solids before 17 weeks and 76.9% (n = 719) before 26 weeks of age. The practice of introducing solids early decreased with older age of the mother. Compared to women < 25 years of age, those who were 35 years or older were 72% less likely to introduce solids very early (OR = 0.28, CI95 0.14-0.58). Single mothers had more than twice the odds of introducing solids before the age of 17 weeks compared to married women (OR = 2.35, CI95 1.33-4.16). Women who had returned to work between 6 to 12 months postpartum were 46% less likely to introduce solids very early compared with those who were not working at the child's first birthday (OR = 0.54, CI95 0.30-0.97). Women born in Vietnam and Indian sub-continent had lower odds of introducing solids very early compared to Australian born women (OR = 0.42, CI95 0.21-0.84 and OR = 0.30, CI95 0.12-0.79, respectively). Infants who were exclusively formula-fed at 4 weeks postpartum had more than twice the odds of receiving solids very early (OR = 2.34, CI95 1.49-3.66). CONCLUSIONS Women who are younger, single mothers, those not working by the time of child's first birthday, those born in Australia, and those who exclusively formula-feed their babies at 4 weeks postpartum should be targeted for health promotion programs that aim to delay the introduction of solids in infants to the recommended time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Arora
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
- Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, NSW Health, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Narendar Manohar
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Debra Hector
- Cancer Australia, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Sameer Bhole
- Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, NSW Health, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Australia
- Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Australia
- Oral Health Alliance, Oral Health Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006 Australia
- Metro North Oral Health Services, Stafford, QLD Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Community Paediatrics, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Croydon, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - Jane Anne Scott
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA Australia
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Manohar N, Hayen A, Bhole S, Arora A. Predictors of Early Introduction of Core and Discretionary Foods in Australian Infants-Results from HSHK Birth Cohort Study. Nutrients 2020; 12:E258. [PMID: 31963864 PMCID: PMC7019241 DOI: 10.3390/nu12010258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early introduction of complementary foods can have a detrimental impact on children's long-term health. This study examined the timing and determinants of early introduction of core and discretionary foods among infants in Sydney, Australia. Mothers (n = 1035) from an ongoing population-based birth cohort study were interviewed at 8, 17, 34 and 52 weeks postpartum. The outcome was 'age at which particular core and discretionary food items were first introduced'. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate family and infant-related determinants of early introduction of core (<17 weeks of age) and discretionary foods (<52 weeks of age). Of the 934 mother-infant dyads interviewed, 12% (n = 113) of infants were introduced core foods before 17 weeks of age (median: 22). Mothers working part-time (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54-7.62) and those exclusively formula-feeding their babies at four-weeks postpartum (adjusted OR 3.26, 95% CI: 1.99-5.33) were most likely to introduce core foods early. Ninety-five percent (n = 858) of infants were introduced discretionary foods before 52 weeks of age (median: 28). Low socio-economic status was significantly associated with early introduction of discretionary foods (adjusted OR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.17-11.78). Compliance with infant feeding guidelines related to core foods was better; however, discretionary foods were introduced early in most infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendar Manohar
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia;
| | - Andrew Hayen
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Sameer Bhole
- Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia;
- Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
- Oral Health Alliance, Oral Health Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Metro North Oral Health Services, Stafford, QLD 4053, Australia
| | - Amit Arora
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia;
- Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia;
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2571, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead, NSW 2050, Australia
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The Early Introduction of Complementary (Solid) Foods: A Prospective Cohort Study of Infants in Chengdu, China. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040760. [PMID: 30939733 PMCID: PMC6521052 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to document the types of foods introduced to infants before six months of age and identify factors associated with their early introduction. A prospective cohort study of infant feeding for the first six months after birth was undertaken in the city of Chengdu, PR China. The participants were 845 mothers who delivered their infants in hospitals in Chengdu. Mothers were interviewed within 15 days of giving birth and were followed up with for six months. The outcome measures were the introduction of complementary foods to infants within four and six months postpartum. Complementary foods are defined as any food, whether manufactured or locally prepared, used as a complement to breast milk or infant formula. In this study the emphasis was on solids and not liquid foods. More than 94% of the infants were given complementary foods (semi-solid or solid foods) before the age of six months and 10% by four months. The most commonly introduced food was infant cereal, which was given to three quarters of the infants by six months. Multivariate analysis showed that maternal education level was a significant factor affecting the introduction of complementary foods before four months, adjusted odds ratio 2.983 (1.232–7.219), with the more educated mothers introducing complementary foods earlier. More antenatal and postnatal health promotion efforts are required to highlight the benefits of introducing solid foods later than is the current practice in Chengdu, at or close to six months of age. Further education is also required for training health professionals including pediatricians, midwives, and community health staff.
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17
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Reda EB, Teferra AS, Gebregziabher MG. Time to initiate complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers with children aged 6-24 months in Tahtay Maichew district, northern Ethiopia. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:17. [PMID: 30642371 PMCID: PMC6332614 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Ethiopia, only 51% of the infants start complementary feeding on time. Therefore this study is aimed to determine the time to initiate complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers with children aged 6-24 months in Tahtay Maichew district, northern Ethiopia. A retrospective follow up study was conducted among 639 mothers who had children aged 6-24 months. Bi-variable and multi-variable Cox regressions were conducted and statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence level. RESULTS The median age for the initiation into complementary feeding was 6.00 months. Being government employee [AHR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.10-2.53], having educated husband [AHR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.22-3.86], birth preparedness [AHR = 3.74, 95% CI 1.49-9.94], growth monitoring [AHR = 5.79, 95% CI 2.60-12.88], ability to know exact time to introduce complementary feeding [AHR = 4.93, 95% CI 1.94-12.50], and paternal support [AHR = 4.99, 95% CI 2.02-12.34] were significantly associated with the time to initiate into complementary feeding. Therefore, establishing breast feeding centres at work place and extending maternity leave for reasonable months are important to improve timely initiation into complementary feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermyas Brhane Reda
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Aksum University, P.O. Box: 298, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Shimeka Teferra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Measho Gebreslassie Gebregziabher
- Department of Health Service Management and Health Economics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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18
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Zielinska MA, Hamulka J. Reasons for non-exclusive breast-feeding in the first 6 months. Pediatr Int 2018; 60:276-281. [PMID: 29243278 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal sociodemographic, delivery- and infant-related factors as well as hospital practice are relevant for breast-feeding practice. The aim of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and delivery-related factors that may affect exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) of infants aged 0-6 months in Poland. METHODS A total of 446 mothers (18-42 years old) of infants aged 0-6 months were interviewed using the computer-assisted Web interview method. The questionnaire collected information about maternal sociodemographic situation and anthropometrics, delivery-related factors, and infant feeding-related factors. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Predictors of non-exclusive breast-feeding (N-EBF) in the first 6 months of life were assessed on multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 43% of mothers did not breast-feed exclusively (n = 191; N-EBF group) and 57% did breast-feed exclusively during the study period (n = 255; EBF group). After adjustment for other potential risk factors, the highest risk factors for N-EBF were maternal age <20 years (OR, 6.12; P ≤ 0.01), and inadequate breast-feeding knowledge (OR, 3.43; P ≤ 0.01), whereas the lowest risk was associated with pre-pregnancy intention to breast-feed (OR, 0.35; P ≤ 0.01), very good knowledge about breast-feeding (OR, 0.45; P ≤ 0.001) and maternal age 26-30 years (OR, 0.48; P ≤ 0.001). In a multivariate model, maternal education, employment status and preterm delivery were no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Breast-feeding practice is influenced by a variety of factors, including sociodemographic and psychosocial conditions, maternal obesity and mode of delivery. Further work is needed to establish the role of education and prophylactic programs in modifying the aforementioned risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika A Zielinska
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Science - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jadwiga Hamulka
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Science - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Lassi ZS, Irfan O, Hadi R, Das JK, Bhutta ZA. PROTOCOL: Effects of interventions for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) promotion on optimal IYCF practices, nutrition, growth and health in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2018; 14:1-26. [PMID: 37131389 PMCID: PMC8427994 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
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20
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Bournez M, Ksiazek E, Wagner S, Kersuzan C, Tichit C, Gojard S, Thierry X, Charles MA, Lioret S, de Lauzon-Guillain B, Nicklaus S. Factors associated with the introduction of complementary feeding in the French ELFE cohort study. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2017; 14:e12536. [PMID: 29052955 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate the age of complementary feeding introduction (CFI) and investigate the related health, demographic, and socio-economic factors. Analyses were based on 10,931 infants from the French national birth cohort ELFE, born in 2011. Health, demographic, and socio-economic data concerning infants and parents were collected at birth (face-to-face interviews and medical records) and 2 months (telephone interviews). Data on milk feeding and CFI practices were collected at birth and 2 months then monthly from 3 to 10 months using online or paper questionnaires. The associations between both health and social factors and CFI age were tested by multivariable multinomial logistic regressions. The mean CFI age was 5.2 ± 1.2 months; 26% of the infants started complementary feeding before 4 months of age (CF < 4 months), 62% between 4 and 6 months of age, and 12% after 6 months of age (CF > 6 months). CF < 4 months was more likely when mothers smoked, were overweight/obese, younger (<29 years), and used their personal experience as an information source in child caregiving and when both parents were not born in France. CF < 4 months was less likely when the infant was a girl, second-born, when the mother breastfed longer, and had attended at least one birth preparation class. Mothers of second-born infants and who breastfed their child longer were more likely to introduce CF > 6 months. Couples in which fathers were born in France and mothers were not born in France were less likely to introduce CF > 6 months. CF < 4 months occurred in more than 25% of the cases. It is important to continue promoting clear CFI recommendations, especially in smoking, overweight, young, not born in France, and nonbreastfeeding mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bournez
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, Hopital d'Enfants, Peediatrics, Dijon, France
| | - Eléa Ksiazek
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Sandra Wagner
- INSERM, CRESS, ORCHAD team, Villejuif, France.,Paris Descartes University, CRESS, Villejuif, France
| | - Claire Kersuzan
- ALISS UR1303, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Ivry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Christine Tichit
- ALISS UR1303, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Ivry-sur-Seine, France.,Centre Maurice Halbwachs, CNRS, ENS, EHESS, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Gojard
- ALISS UR1303, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Ivry-sur-Seine, France.,Centre Maurice Halbwachs, CNRS, ENS, EHESS, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Thierry
- Institut national d'études démographiques, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Aline Charles
- INSERM, CRESS, ORCHAD team, Villejuif, France.,Paris Descartes University, CRESS, Villejuif, France
| | - Sandrine Lioret
- INSERM, CRESS, ORCHAD team, Villejuif, France.,Paris Descartes University, CRESS, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Sophie Nicklaus
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, AgroSup Dijon, CNRS, INRA, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
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Predictors of exclusive breastfeeding duration among 6-12 month aged children in gurage zone, South Ethiopia: a survival analysis. Int Breastfeed J 2017; 12:20. [PMID: 28439290 PMCID: PMC5399807 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-017-0107-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exclusive breastfeeding is giving only breast milk to an infant from birth up to six months of age, with the exception of medications and vitamins. For the first six months of life, breast milk alone is the ideal nourishment to meet the nutritional demand of the growing child. Although breastfeeding is a universal practice, in Ethiopia only 52% of children aged less than six months old were exclusively breastfed. The study aimed to investigate the predictors of exclusive breastfeeding duration among women who had children aged between 6–12 months in Gurage zone, South Ethiopia. Methods A mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted to assess predictors of exclusive breastfeeding duration in south Ethiopia. Eight hundred and twenty eight study participants were recruited using a multistage sampling technique for the quantitative survey. Interviewer administered close ended questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data. Data were entered using Epi Data and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The Kaplan-Meier curve with log rank test was used to compare the survival difference due to the selected covariates. A binary and multivariable Cox regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of exclusive breastfeeding duration. Three focus group discussions were conducted to generate the qualitative data. Qualitative data is transcribed and analyzed by thematic approach using open-code software. Results The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was six months. About 21.9% of women introduced complementary food before six months of child age. Women with education status of diploma and above (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [AHR]: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.05, 7.97), perceived inadequate breast milk (AHR: 11, 95% CI: 6.7, 18.0) and cesarean section delivery (AHR: 3.8, 95% CI: 2.0, 7.2) were more likely to cease exclusive breastfeeding before six months of child age; while women who had infant feeding counseling during postnatal care (AHR: 5.1, 95% CI: 2.5, 10.23) were less likely to cease exclusive breastfeeding before the child was six months of age. Conclusions A significant proportion of women cease exclusive breastfeeding before the recommended six months duration. Maternal education of diploma and above, perceived inadequacy of breast milk, cesarean section delivery, postnatal counseling on child feeding are factors significantly associated with the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Encouraging behavioral change and improving communication regarding the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and increasing the utilization of postnatal counseling about exclusive breastfeeding are recommended.
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Alzaheb RA. Factors Associated with the Early Introduction of Complementary Feeding in Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E702. [PMID: 27420081 PMCID: PMC4962243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13070702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mothers' instigation of complementary feeding before their infant reaches 6 months old risks shortening their breastfeeding duration, and high morbidity and mortality for their child. Complementary feeding practices require further investigation in Saudi Arabia. The present study aims to evaluate complementary feeding practices, and to establish which factors are associated with the early introduction of complementary feeding in the Saudi Arabian context. Cross-sectional research was conducted with 632 mothers of infants aged between 4 and 24 months attending five primary health care centers (PHCCs) between July and December 2015 in Saudi Arabia. Data on participants' socio-demographic characteristics and complementary feeding practices were collected via structured questionnaires. A regression analysis identified the factors associated with the early introduction of solid foods, defined as before 17 weeks. 62.5% of the study's infants received solid foods before reaching 17 weeks old. The maternal factors at higher risk of early introduction of solids were: younger age; Saudi nationality; shorter education; employment within 6 months post-birth; caesareans; not breastfeeding fully for six weeks post-birth, and living in low-income households. Complementary feeding prior to 6 months postpartum was common in Saudi Arabia. Public health interventions are needed to reduce early complementary feeding, focusing on mothers at highest risk of giving solids too early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyadh A Alzaheb
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.
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