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Breast and complementary feeding practices in relation to morbidity and growth in Malawian infants

B F Kalanda1, F H Verhoeff, B J Brabin

  • 1Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 25, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Early complementary feeding before 3 months in Malawi was linked to poorer infant growth and increased infection risk. Later feeding improved outcomes, highlighting the need for better infant feeding practices, especially for illiterate mothers.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Complementary feeding practices significantly influence infant growth and health outcomes.
  • Early introduction of non-breast milk foods before 3 months is common in some low-income settings.
  • Undernutrition and high morbidity rates remain critical challenges in rural African communities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare infant growth, morbidity incidence, and undernutrition risk factors.
  • To evaluate outcomes between early (before 3 months) and later complementary feeding in Malawian infants.

Main Methods:

  • A birth cohort of 52 weeks was followed.
  • Infant weight, length, morbidity, and feeding patterns were recorded every 4 weeks.
  • Statistical analysis identified risk factors and associations.

Main Results:

  • Early complementary feeding (before 3 months) was associated with significantly lower weight-for-age at 3 and 6 months.
  • Infants receiving early foods had increased risk of respiratory infections and marginally higher risk of eye infections and malaria.
  • Maternal illiteracy was linked to early feeding practices (OR=2.1).

Conclusions:

  • Later introduction of complementary foods is associated with improved infant growth and reduced morbidity.
  • Breastfeeding promotion programs should prioritize targeting illiterate mothers.
  • Enhanced focus on improving complementary feeding practices is crucial for infant health.
Abstract

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