Mothers’ Knowledge and Practices on Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding In an Urban Slum Area and Rural Area in Kenya: a Cross-Sectional Interview Study
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Date
2022
Authors
Uusim¨aki, Kerttu
Schneider, Lauriina
Lubeka, Crippina
Kimiwye, Judith
Mutanen, Marja
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
sage publishers
Abstract
Maternal breastfeeding and complementary feeding knowledge is an important determinant of
childrens’ long-term health and development. This study aims to account for associations between
knowledge and practices in Kenya and report the food consumption of children from birth to
18 months. In 2015 mother–child pairs were recruited from Mother-and-Child Health Centers; 415
in an urban slum in Nairobi and 364 in rural Machakos. Knowledge and practice scores were
calculated from questionnaire variables and 24-h food frequency questionnaire. The associations of
knowledge and practices were studied with regression analysis. Breastfeeding knowledge (Nairobi
6.3/9, Machakos 5.9/9) and practices (Nairobi 7.5/8, Machakos 7.2/8) were good in both areas.
Complementary feeding knowledge was not as good (Nairobi 7.5/14, Machakos 7.1/14). Minimum
meal frequency was reached by almost 80% of the children but dietary diversity was low (Nairobi
2.7 [SD 1.4], Machakos 2.4. [SD 1.3]). Only 27% of children in Nairobi and 13% in Machakos were
fed a minimum acceptable diet. The complementary feeding knowledge score was associated only
with minimum dietary diversity in Nairobi (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.105–1.514). Infant and young child
feeding knowledge and practices were on a similar level in both areas. Future interventions should
focus on improving dietary diversity.
Description
article
Keywords
breast feeding, complementary feeding, health knowledge, infant health, practice
Citation
Uusimäki, K., Schneider, L., Lubeka, C., Kimiwye, J., & Mutanen, M. (2022). Mothers’ knowledge and practices on breastfeeding and complementary feeding in an urban slum area and rural area in Kenya: A cross-sectional interview study. Journal of Child Health Care, 13674935221083451.