ABSTRACT
This descriptive cross sectional study assessed
appropriate complementary feeding practices and anthropometric status of
children 6-23 months in Ikwuano L.G.A, Abia state. A total of 159 children aged
between 6 to 23 months was selected from six (6) healthcare centres from three (3)
communities namely: Amaba, Amawom and Umudike in Ikwuano L.G.A. A structured,
pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used for the data collection.
Standard procedures were used for the anthropometric measurements. The
complementary feeding practices were assessed using the WHO indicators for
appropriate complementary feeding practices (ISSS- Introduction of solid,
semi-solid or soft foods; MDD- Minimum dietary diversity; MMF- Minimum meal
frequency; MMFF- Minimum milk feeding frequency; and MAD- Minimum acceptable
diet). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and chi-square
correlation were used to analyse the data. Result showed 40.9% of the children
were within 9-11 months of age. Majority (83.6%) of the children were males. Majority
(85.5%) of the mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding and 86.2% were still
breastfeeding their children. Result showed varied timing for introduction of
complementary feeds; 41.5% before 6 months, and 52.8%, after 6 months. The result showed that more than half
(52.8%) introduced complementary feeds after 6 months, while 5.7% introduced it
at the age of 6 months and more than half (59.1%) use commercial baby foods,
13.8% commenced with home-made foods while 27.0% employed a mixed practice of homemade and commercial foods. Among the
children, stunting was found to be 63.5%; undernutrition was 44%; wasting,
13.8%; and underweight, 31.4%. There was significant association of (P<0.05)
between appropriate feeding and the age at which complementary feeds were
introduced and children who are appropriately feed are underweighted.
Inappropriate complementary feeding practices was high among the children between
the ages of 6 – 23 months. Factors significantly associated with their
complementary feeding practices include age of introduction of complementary
feeds, whom the child spends most time with, the family size, estimated
household income and child’s weight-for-age. This suggests that more efforts
are required to communicate appropriate complementary feeding practices to
mothers/caregivers.
DIVINE, U (2024). Appropriate Complementary Feeding Practice And Anthropometric Status Of Children 6-23 Months In Ikwuano L.G.A, Abia State:- Emecheta, Divine U. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Oct 10, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/appropriate-complementary-feeding-practice-and-anthropometric-status-of-children-6-23-months-in-ikwuano-lga-abia-state-emecheta-divine-u-7-2
UZOCHI, DIVINE. "Appropriate Complementary Feeding Practice And Anthropometric Status Of Children 6-23 Months In Ikwuano L.G.A, Abia State:- Emecheta, Divine U" Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 11 Sep. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/appropriate-complementary-feeding-practice-and-anthropometric-status-of-children-6-23-months-in-ikwuano-lga-abia-state-emecheta-divine-u-7-2. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
UZOCHI, DIVINE. "Appropriate Complementary Feeding Practice And Anthropometric Status Of Children 6-23 Months In Ikwuano L.G.A, Abia State:- Emecheta, Divine U". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 11 Sep. 2024. Web. 10 Oct. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/appropriate-complementary-feeding-practice-and-anthropometric-status-of-children-6-23-months-in-ikwuano-lga-abia-state-emecheta-divine-u-7-2 >.
UZOCHI, DIVINE. "Appropriate Complementary Feeding Practice And Anthropometric Status Of Children 6-23 Months In Ikwuano L.G.A, Abia State:- Emecheta, Divine U" Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2024). Accessed 10 Oct. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/appropriate-complementary-feeding-practice-and-anthropometric-status-of-children-6-23-months-in-ikwuano-lga-abia-state-emecheta-divine-u-7-2