Complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children 6-23 months in Kitui County, Kenya
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Date
2014-10
Authors
Kimiywe, J.
Chege, P.M.
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Abstract
Objectives: Inappropriate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months is major cause
of under nutrition. There is scarce information on the relationship between complementary feeding practices
and nutritional status. This study aimed to determine the factors contributing to the complementary feeding
practices and the nutritional status of children aged 6 -23 months.
Methodology and Results: A randomly selected sample of 201 children aged 6-23 months was investigated
using a cross sectional analytical design in four randomly selected sub-counties in Kitui County. Data were
analyzed using ENA for SMART for nutrition status, Nutri-survey for dietary intake and SPSS. Results showed
that most caregivers (70.6%) had attained primary level education. Majority of respondents (69.2%) had low
levels of income. The average number of meals consumed per day was 4.1 ± 0.01. The main foods consumed
were carbohydrates with little consumption of fruits and vegetables. The levels of wasting, stunting and
underweight were 7.0%, 22.9% and 10.9%, respectively.
Conclusions and application of findings: The complementary feeding practices were inadequate to meet the
macronutrient and micronutrients needs of the children. The foods lacked variety, children took fewer meals per
day and key foods were consumed less frequently than expected. The low food production in the semi- arid
area coupled with low income could be associated with the food insecurity and consequently to the quality,
quantity and diversity of the foods consumed by the children. The levels of malnutrition were relatively high for
these children aged 6-23 months and this could be attributed to food insecurity indicated by low dietary
diversity. The study noted a significant relationship between complementary feeding practices and nutritional
status. The study recommends use of locally available, affordable and variety of foods to improve nutrient
content of complementary foods. The study recommends agricultural interventions to enhance the nutritional
content of complementary foods. Nutrition education on appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding among
mothers is essential.
Key words: Complementary feeding practices, Nutritional status, children under 6-23 months
Description
http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jab.v85i1.10
Keywords
Complementary feeding practices, Nutritional status, Children under 6-23 months
Citation
Journal of Applied Biosciences 85:78817890, 14th Oct. 2014 www.m.elewa.org, http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jab.v85i1.10