ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine complementary feeding parches and its effect on nutritional status of infants aged 6-24 months in urban and rural areas of Imo State. A structured validated questionnaire was used to elicit information from 200 mothers of the infants on complementary feeding practices and socioeconomic status. Anthropometric measurements, indirect weighed food invcntnry mid nutrient analysis of commonly used complementary foods were also collected. Data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. T-test was used to compare nutrient intake of rural and urban infants. ANOVA was used to separate means obtained from nutrient composition of commonly used complementary foods while chi-square was used to determine relationship between infant and complementary feeding practices on nutritional status of infants. The results revealed that about 27.1% of mothers were housewives, while about 5.6% do not have any form of education. On the average, about 98.5% of mothers in both areas have the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding . Only 73% of mothers were found to continue breastfeeding after introducing complementary foods. Complementary foods were introduced to majority (70%) of the infants at 6-7 months. Traditionally prepared complementary foods (65.6%) especially maize based porridge (pap) fortified with either crayfish (19%) or soybean (58.1%) were among the most commonly used foods preferred by majority of the mothers. The vitamin and mineral composition of the commonly used foods were also found to be low per lOOg edible portion. Assessment of the nutritional status of the infants and children showed that urban children faired better than their rural counterparts in virtually all the anthropometric and nutritional status indicators. Mode of disposal of left over foods was significantly associated with underweight, stunting and wasting (2 20.95 1, 16.638, 22.910; P<0.05). While determinant of what the infant ate was significantly associated with wasting (x2 25.979; P><0.05). Though complimentary feeding practices were optimal, mote attention needs to be paid to the specific behaviours surrounding adequate dietary intake and infant feeding practices and care.>