Growth Patterns Of Infants (0 - 6 Months) Receiving Immunization At The Federal Medical Centre Umuahia

ABSTRACT

The need for local growth standard, to be used in Abia State has led to the assessment of the growth pattern of infants (0 - 6 months) attending Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State. A structured interview questionnaire was used to elicit information on the birth related characteristics, breast feeding methods of the infants and general characteristics of the mothers. Anthropometric measurements of heights and weights of the infants were carried out. The infants feeding groups were Breast milk only (BMO) - 53.3%, breast milk + water (BMW) - 19.9%. Breast milk + water + breast milk substitute (BMWS) - 19.1%. Breast milk + water + Breast milk substitute + complementary food (BMWSC) - 4.3%. Infants fed Breast milk only (55.3%) showed consistent and rapid growth at the time of this survey, although cases of malnutrition were still seen in the group. Stunting was present in 5.1 % of the infants fed breast milk only, 21 .4% fed Breast milk + water showed no stunting. Underweight was also present in 15.4% of the infants fed breast milk only, 10.7% fed breast milk + water, while no child fed breast milk + water + substitute + complementary food showed underweight.