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Khan MN, Harris ML, Hassen TA, Bagade T, Shifti DM, Feyissa TR, Chojenta C. Effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024; 20:e13643. [PMID: 38530129 PMCID: PMC11168362 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Child malnutrition remains a significant concern in the Asia-Pacific region, with short birth intervals recognised as a potential risk factor. However, evidence of this association is inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically review the existing evidence and assess the summary effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region. Five electronic databases were searched in May 2023 to identify relevant studies reporting the association between short birth interval and child malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, underweight, anaemia and overall malnutrition, in Asia-Pacific region between September 2000 and May 2023. Fixed-effects or random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the summary effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition. Out of 56 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 48 were included in quantitative synthesis through meta-analysis. We found a slightly higher likelihood of stunting (n = 25, odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97-1.32) and overall malnutrition (n = 3, OR = 2.42; 95% CI: 0.88-6.65) among children born in short birth intervals compared to those with nonshort intervals, although the effect was not statistically significant. However, caution is warranted due to identified heterogeneity across studies. Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant effects of short birth intervals on child malnutrition in national-level studies and studies with larger sample sizes. These findings underscore short birth intervals as a significant contributor to child malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region. Implementing effective policies and programs is vital to alleviate this burden, ultimately reducing child malnutrition and associated adverse outcomes, including child mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nuruzzaman Khan
- Department of Population ScienceJatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam UniversityMymensinghBangladesh
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Melissa L. Harris
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tahir A. Hassen
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tanmay Bagade
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Desalegn M. Shifti
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Child Health Research CentreThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Tesfaye R. Feyissa
- Deakin Rural Health, School of Medicine, Faculty of HealthDeakin UniversityBurwoodVictoriaAustralia
| | - Catherine Chojenta
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
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Hossain S, Mihrshahi S. Effect of exclusive breastfeeding and other infant and young child feeding practices on childhood morbidity outcomes: associations for infants 0-6 months in 5 South Asian countries using Demographic and Health Survey data. Int Breastfeed J 2024; 19:35. [PMID: 38755734 PMCID: PMC11097433 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00644-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing evidence of the impacts of exclusively breastfeeding infants during the first 6 months of life on preventing childhood infections and ensuring optimal health, only a small number of studies have quantified this association in South Asia. METHODS We analyzed data from the Demographic and Health Surveys in Afghanistan (2015; n = 3462), Bangladesh (2017-2018; n = 1084), India (2019-2021; n = 26,101), Nepal (2022; n = 581), and Pakistan (2017-2018; n = 1,306), including babies aged 0-6 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between exclusive breastfeeding in the last 24 h and diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, and fever in the two weeks before the survey. We also examined the association between other infant and young feeding indicators and these outcomes. RESULTS Infants who were exclusive breastfed had decreased odds of diarrhoea in Afghanistan (AOR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.35, 0.70), India (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI 0.70, 0.91), and Nepal (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI 0.20, 0.89). Compared with infants who were not exclusive breastfed, infants who were exclusively breastfed were less likely to have fever in Afghanistan (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.26, 0.50) and India (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.67, 0.84). Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of acute respiratory infections in Afghanistan (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.39, 0.83). Early initiation of breastfeeding was protective against diarrhoea in India. Bottle feeding was a risk factor for diarrhoea in India and for fever in Afghanistan and India. Bottle feeding was also a risk factor for acute respiratory infection in Afghanistan and India. CONCLUSIONS Not exclusive breastfeeding is a risk factor for diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, and fever in some South Asian countries. These findings could have substantial implications for global and national efforts to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates. More support, advocacy, and action are required to boost breastfeeding rates as a crucial public health measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saldana Hossain
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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Pradhan MR, Saikia D, Mondal S, Mudi PK. Prevalence and predictors of minimum acceptable diet (MAD) feeding among tribal children aged 6-23 months in India. BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38634682 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2024.2344481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Minimum acceptable diet (MAD) that combines minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum meal frequency (MMF) is one of the eight core indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices for children aged 6-23 months. With low MAD, young children and infants are more susceptible to undernutrition. The study assesses the prevalence and predictors of MAD among tribal children aged 6-23 months in India. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyzes were performed on data from 6326 tribal children of the National Family Health Survey (2019-21). Stata was used for the analyzes, with a 5% significance level. Only 12% of tribal children were fed with a MAD, while 24% had MDD and 34% MMF. Children aged 18-23 months had a three times higher chance of MAD than their 6-8 months counterparts. Children receiving Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), children of mothers with ten or more years of schooling, children whose mothers were exposed to mass media, and whose mothers had 4+ antenatal care visits in their last pregnancy had a higher likelihood of MAD. The study concludes that MAD among tribal children aged 6-23 months is unsatisfactory and varies significantly by socio-demographic characteristics, suggesting targeted intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas Ranjan Pradhan
- Department of Fertility and Social Demography, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India
| | - Daisy Saikia
- Research Scholar, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India
| | - Sourav Mondal
- Research Scholar, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India
| | - Prasanna Kumar Mudi
- Research Scholar, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India
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Kebede T, Bilal SM, Lindtjorn B, Engebretsen IMS. Does livestock ownership predict animal-source food consumption frequency among children aged 6-24 months and their mothers in the rural Dale district, southern Ethiopia? PeerJ 2023; 11:e16518. [PMID: 38107587 PMCID: PMC10725678 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal-source foods are food items that come from animals. Animal-source foods provide a variety of micronutrients that plant-source foods cannot provide to the same extent and without extra precaution. Milk, eggs, poultry, flesh meat and fish are animal-source foods mainly used in Ethiopia. Low animal-source food consumption among children and mothers is a great concern in many low-income settings. This study aimed to describe animal-source food consumption frequencies among children aged 6-24 months and their mothers in rural southern Ethiopia where livestock farming is very common. We also analysed the association between livestock ownership and animal-source food consumption among children and mothers. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 851 randomly selected households with child-mother pairs from August to November 2018. The study was conducted in the rural Dale District, southern Ethiopia. Structured and pre-tested questionnaires were used to collect data on mother and child information, livestock ownership, and animal-source foods consumption frequencies. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to describe associations between animal-source foods consumption and livestock ownership. Result Nearly, three-quarters (74.1%) of the households owned cows, and a quarter (25%) had goats or sheep. Dairy, egg and meat consumption among children during the past month was 91.8%, 83.0% and 26.2%, respectively. Likewise, the consumption of dairy, eggs and meat among mothers was 96.0%, 49.5% and 34.0%, respectively. The percentage of children who had not consumed any animal-source foods during the month prior to our survey was 6.6%, and the figure was 2.2% for the mothers. Dairy consumption was 1.8 times higher among children (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI [1.3-2.5]) and 3.0 times higher among mothers (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI [2.2-4.2]) in households that kept cows than in households without cows. The egg consumption frequency was positively associated with hen and goat/sheep ownership for both children and mothers. Meat consumption frequency among children was negatively associated with cow ownership (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.45-0.95]); however, cow ownership was not associated with meat consumption among mothers. Conclusion Dairy products were common animal-source foods consumed by young children and mothers in the study area. However, meat consumption was low among children and mothers. Strategies like promoting the keeping of goats/sheep and hens to improve complementary feeding and mothers' nutrition are warranted in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsigereda Kebede
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Selamawit Mengesha Bilal
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Sidama Regional State Health Bureau, Hawassa, Sidama Region, Ethiopia
| | - Bernt Lindtjorn
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Alukagberie ME, Elmusharaf K, Ibrahim N, Poix S. Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy and public health interventions to address in Nigeria: a scoping review. Reprod Health 2023; 20:95. [PMID: 37355659 PMCID: PMC10290377 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01629-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent pregnancy is a global public health and social problem that affects both developed and developing countries. Reducing adolescent pregnancy is central to achieving sustainable development goals. In 2021 Nigeria's Adolescent pregnancy was 106 per 1000 and showed an increasing rate. This study, therefore, aims to explore the literature to map the risk factors and interventions against adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria. METHOD A scoping review of studies published between January 2007 and December 2022 using PubMed, Web of Science and Africa Journals Online were searched using the keywords' adolescent pregnancy' AND 'Nigeria'. Studies were screened using the eligibility criteria. RESULTS A total of 241 articles, of which 229 were identified through the databases and 12 were identified through hand search. After the full-text review, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. In Nigeria, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is between 7.5 and 49.5%. Associated factors for adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria are multifactorial, including individual, community, societal, school, family, and peer factors. Policies on adolescent sexual and reproductive health exist in Nigeria. Still, the policies need more sponsorship, implementation, and monitoring, while only some interventions on adolescent pregnancy majorly based on contraceptives and education of health providers are available in Nigeria. CONCLUSION Associated factors for adolescent Pregnancy in Nigeria are multidimensional, with educational attainment and wealth index being the highest associated factor. Intervention strategies aimed at the educational level have been identified as a critical factor in curbing adolescent pregnancy. Thus, policies on sexual, reproductive, and mental health development specifically targeting adolescents to reduce the cycle of societal dependence by empowering this group economically and educationally are justifiably warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majesty Enaworoke Alukagberie
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Public Health Master Programme, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Nuha Ibrahim
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sébastien Poix
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Gebeyehu NA, Tegegne KD, Shewangashaw NE, Biset G, Abebaw N, Tilahun L. Knowledge, attitude, practice and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among women in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2023; 5:100373. [PMID: 36941951 PMCID: PMC10023906 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess the pooled estimate of Ethiopia's women's knowledge, attitudes, practices, and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and Addis Ababa University online library were searched. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA statistical software (v. 14). Publication bias was checked by forest plot, Begg's rank test, and Egger's regression test. To look for heterogeneity, I2 was computed, and an overall estimated analysis was carried out. Subgroup analysis was done by region, study setting, and publication. The pooled odds ratio for associated factors was also computed. Results Out of 995 studies reviewed, 33 met our eligibility criteria and were included in this meta-analysis study. The total number of study participants was 13,397. The pooled prevalence of good knowledge, positive attitude, and poor practice of kangaroo mother care were 74.2% (95% CI: 62.9-85.4), 77.2% (95%CI: 68.3-86.0), and 58.3% (95% CI: 49.9-66.6), respectively. In sub-group analysis, the highest prevalence of knowledge was in institution-based studies (78.3%) and unpublished studies (76.3%). A positive attitude was also highest in institutional-based studies (81%). The highest practice prevalence was in Afar (68%) and the lowest was in Addis Ababa (34.6%).Women who had a secondary level of education (AOR = 3.3; 95%CI: 1.8-6.0) were a housewife (AOR = 3.1; 95%CI: 2.1-4.7), delivered vaginally (AOR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.4-2.9), health facility delivery (AOR = 3.3; 95%CI: 2.1-5.1) and attending antenatal care were predictors of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion Although women have good knowledge and positive attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding, there is a significant gap in exclusive breastfeeding practice. Maternal education, occupation, vaginal delivery, institutional delivery, and antenatal care visit were predictors of exclusive breastfeeding. It is recommended to strengthen maternal and child health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natnael Atnafu Gebeyehu
- School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Kirubel Dagnaw Tegegne
- Department of Comprehensive Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | | | - Gebyaw Biset
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Nigussie Abebaw
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Lehulu Tilahun
- Department of Emergency Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Nsiah-Asamoah C, Adjei G, Agblorti S, Doku DT. Association of maternal characteristics with child feeding indicators and nutritional status of children under-two years in Rural Ghana. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:581. [PMID: 36207712 PMCID: PMC9540729 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03651-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optimal nutrition during the first two years of a child’s life is critical for the reduction of morbidity and mortality. In Ghana, majority of children miss out on optimal nutrition and only few (13%) of children receive a Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). Several studies have investigated the influence of community-level factors on infants and young children feeding (IYCF) practices. However, little is known about the influence of maternal factors on IYCF practices in rural settings. Therefore, this study assessed the influence of maternal factors on the feeding indicators and nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months in two administrative districts in Ghana. Methods Data were collected among 935 mothers who had children aged 6–23 months and accessed 21 Child Welfare Clinics within the study area. The study involved a face- to-face interview using structured questionnaires to capture maternal characteristics, dietary intake and anthropometric measurements of children. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the association between maternal factors and child nutrition outcomes (MAD, dietary diversity score (DDS) and anthropometric indicators) using Stata 16.0 software. Results Being employed (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.71—5.49, p < 0.001) and attaining secondary or higher education (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.42—5.78, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of children receiving MAD. Similarly, having an average decision-making autonomy increased the child’s odds of receiving MAD (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.02—2.76, p = 0.040). Children of mothers who attained secondary or a higher level of education (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36 -0.97, p = 0.040) and those whose mothers were employed (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.47—1.07, p = 0.043) were associated with a reduced risk of underweight and stunting respectively. Children of mothers with average financial independence status were more likely to receive diversified meals (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01–2.38, p = 0.045). Conclusions High educational level and being employed have positive influence on MAD, stunting and underweight of children. High decision-making power and average financial independence of mothers are good predictors of children receiving MAD. Family planning, women empowerment in decision-making, providing employment opportunities for mothers and promoting girl-child education are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Adjei
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Agblorti
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - David Teye Doku
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Appropriate Complementary Feeding Practice and Its Associated Factors among Mothers Who Have Children Aged between 6 and 24 Months in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Nutr Metab 2022; 2022:1548390. [PMID: 36245817 PMCID: PMC9553750 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1548390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Appropriate complementary feeding practices prevent malnutrition among children. The proportion and determinant factors of appropriate complementary feeding practices identified by different studies were inconsistent in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled proportion and determinants of appropriate complementary feeding practices among mothers. Methods Databases (PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and university repositories were used to search for important articles. A critical appraisal of the studies was conducted. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 11. Cochran (Q test) and I2 test were used to test the heterogeneity of the studies. Publication bias was checked using the funnel plot for asymmetry and Egger's regression test. Results Seventeen primary studies with a total sample size of 9166 mothers were involved in this study. The pooled proportion of appropriate complementary feeding practices among mothers who had infants and young children aged between 6 and 24 months was 21.77 (with a 95% CI: 14.07–29.48). Mothers' educational status of secondary school and above (OR = 3.36 with a 95% CI: 3.03–3.69), having repeated antenatal care visits (OR = 4.77 with a 95% CI: 3.49–6.05), child's age between 12 and 24 months (OR = 3.7 with a 95% CI: 2.75–4.65), having repeated postnatal care visits (OR = 3.17 with a 95% CI: 1.96–4.38), health education (OR = 4.88 with a 95% CI: 3.86–5.9), knowledge of mothers (OR = 4.85 with a 95% CI: 3.77–5.93), maternal age between 18 and 35 years (AOR = 2.67 with a 95% CI: 1.64–3.72), institutional delivery (OR = 2.23 with a 95% CI: 1.79–2.68), and higher household wealth (OR = 2.65 with a 95% CI: 1.46–3.84) were found to be statistically significant associated factors of appropriate complementary feeding practices among mothers. Conclusions The pooled proportion of appropriate complementary feeding practices was low in Ethiopia. Knowledge of mothers and maternal health service uptake such as antenatal care, postnatal care, and institutional delivery increase appropriate complementary feeding practices. More focus is required for mothers who have children aged less than 12 months, mothers aged above 35 years and less than 18 years, lower mothers' educational status, and lower household wealth. Therefore, integrated interventions are still required to improve appropriate complementary feeding practices.
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Dulal S, Prost A, Karki S, Merom D, Shrestha BP, Bhandari B, Manandhar DS, Osrin D, Costello A, Saville NM. Feeding, caregiving practices, and developmental delay among children under five in lowland Nepal: a community-based cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1721. [PMID: 36088374 PMCID: PMC9464411 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13776-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nurturing care, including adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving and early learning, is critical to early childhood development. In Nepal, national surveys highlight inequity in feeding and caregiving practices for young children. Our objective was to describe infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices among caregivers of children under five in Dhanusha district, Nepal, and to explore socio-demographic and economic factors associated with these practices. Methods We did a cross-sectional analysis of a subset of data from the MIRA Dhanusha cluster randomised controlled trial, including mother-child dyads (N = 1360), sampled when children were median age 46 days and a follow-up survey of the same mother-child dyads (N = 1352) when children were median age 38 months. We used World Health Organization IYCF indicators and questions from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey-4 tool to obtain information on IYCF and cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices. Using multivariable logistic regression models, potential explanatory household, parental and child-level variables were tested to determine their independent associations with IYCF and caregiving indicators. Results The prevalence of feeding indicators varied. IYCF indicators, including ever breastfed (99%), exclusive breastfeeding (24-hour recall) (89%), and vegetable/fruit consumption (69%) were common. Problem areas were early initiation of breastfeeding (16%), colostrum feeding (67%), no pre-lacteal feeding (53%), timely introduction of complementary feeding (56%), minimum dietary diversity (49%) and animal-source food consumption (23%). Amongst caregiving indicators, access to 3+ children’s books (7%), early stimulation and responsive caregiving (11%), and participation in early childhood education (27%) were of particular concern, while 64% had access to 2+ toys and 71% received adequate care. According to the Early Child Development Index score, only 38% of children were developmentally on track. Younger children from poor households, whose mothers were young, had not received antenatal visits and delivered at home were at higher risk of poor IYCF and caregiving practices. Conclusions Suboptimal caregiving practices, inappropriate early breastfeeding practices, delayed introduction of complementary foods, inadequate dietary diversity and low animal-source food consumption are challenges in lowland Nepal. We call for urgent integrated nutrition and caregiving interventions, especially as interventions for child development are lacking in Nepal. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13776-8.
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Learning from the Community to Predict Nutrition Status of Children Aged 6–24 Months in Gulu District, Northern Uganda: A Case Control Study. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050664. [PMID: 35629332 PMCID: PMC9147470 DOI: 10.3390/life12050664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The feeding and caring practices of infants and young children are critical to children’s nutrition status and development milestones. Most nutrition studies have focused on unfavorable factors that contribute to malnutrition rather than favorable factors that promote good nutrition status among children. This study aimed at identifying predictors of normal nutrition status among children aged 6–24 months in Gulu District, Northern Uganda. A matched case-control study was conducted on a sample of 300 (i.e., 100 cases and 200 controls) purposively selected children during October–December 2021. Controls were children that had normal nutrition status, whereas cases with undernourished children had at least one type of undernutrition. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of good nutrition status using odds ratios (ORs). The mean age of the cases and controls was 15 months (SD ± 6) and 13 months (SD ± 5), respectively. At multivariable analysis, breastfeeding in the first hour of the child’s life (AOR = 3.31 95% CI. 1.52–7.23), use of family planning (AOR = 2.21 95% CI. 1.25–3.90), number of under-fives in the household (AOR = 0.31 95% CI. 0.13–0.73) and hand washing with soap (AOR = 3.63 95% CI. 1.76–7.49) were significantly independently associated with a child’s good nutrition status. Interventions that can improve children’s nutrition status include breastfeeding in the first hour of child’s life, use of family planning methods, child spacing and hand washing with soap.
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Between and Within-Country Variations in Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in South Asia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074350. [PMID: 35410032 PMCID: PMC8998566 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore variations in Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices between different South Asian Countries (SACs) and within their sociodemographic characteristics including place of residence, mother age, mother education, child sex, and wealth quintiles within the SACs. We extracted 0–23 months age children’s data from the nationally representative survey of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan. Among all SACs, the early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) practice was 45.4% with the highest prevalence in the Maldives (68.2%) and the lowest prevalence in Pakistan (20.8%). Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice was 53.9% with the highest prevalence in Nepal (67%) and the lowest prevalence in Afghanistan (42%). Only 13% of children had a minimum acceptable diet (MAD), with the highest prevalence in the Maldives (52%) and the lowest prevalence in India (11%). We found higher IYCF practices among the mothers with secondary or higher levels of education (EIBF: 47.0% vs. 43.6%; EBF: 55.5% vs. 52.0%; MAD: 15.3% vs. 10.0%), urban mothers (MAD: 15.6% vs. 11.8%), and mothers from the richest households (MAD: 17.6% vs. 8.6%) compared to the mothers with no formal education or below secondary level education, rural mothers and mothers from the poorest households, respectively. Mothers from the poorest households had better EIBF, EBF, and continued breastfeeding at 1-year (CBF) practices compared to the mothers from the richest households (EIBF: 44.2% vs. 40.7%; EBF: 54.8% vs. 53.0%; CBF: 86.3% vs. 77.8%). Poor IYCF practices were most prevalent in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
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Assefa DG, Woldesenbet TT, Molla W, Zeleke ED, Simie TG. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding in Assosa Woreda, Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:170. [PMID: 34563264 PMCID: PMC8466390 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through the health extension package, Ethiopia had practiced infant and young child feeding. However, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice has been poor. Hence, in this study, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding were assessed. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out among 486 mothers/caregivers from Assosa Districts in the Assosa Zone of Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. To isolate independent predictors for good knowledge, good practice, and favorable attitude of the mothers/caregivers related to child feeding, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Out of 486 study participants, 456 (93.8 %) of mothers had good knowledge, 432 (88.9 %) had a positive attitude, and 380 (78.2 %) mothers had good practice of IYCF practice recommendations. Furthermore, age of mothers, educational status of the mother, place of delivery, father's educational status, father's involvement & support, previous knowledge about IYCF, discussion with their husband about IYCF, and ANC follows up were significantly associated with mother's knowledge on IYCF recommendation. CONCLUSIONS Overall mothers had good knowledge and a positive attitude about IYCF practices. To support IYCF practices, behavior change communications intervention strategies should be introduced in mothers to bridge the gap between knowledge and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Getachew Assefa
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. .,Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
| | | | - Wondowsen Molla
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Eden Dagnachew Zeleke
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Bule-Hora University, Bule-Hora, Ethiopia
| | - Timsel Girma Simie
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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