Determinants of the introduction of early complementary feeding before and after the third month of life: a...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Early complementary feeding (ECF) introduction timing is influenced by various factors.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting optimal infant nutrition and development.
• Previous research indicates diverse determinants for ECF based on its introduction period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze factors associated with the introduction of ECF at two distinct infant age periods: 0-3 months and 4-5 months.
• To identify specific risk factors for ECF introduction in early infancy.
• To differentiate determinants of ECF based on the precise timing of introduction.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a cohort of 3,306 mother-infant dyads from the BRISA survey in São Luís/MA, 2010.
• Employed multinomial logistic regression and hierarchical analysis for variable selection and confounding adjustment.
• Analyzed questionnaire data collected at birth and follow-up (15-36 months).

Main Results:

• For ECF introduced at 0-3 months, risk factors included pacifier use, maternal paid work, smoking, and postpartum pregnancy.
• Pacifier use and maternal paid activity were significant risk factors for ECF introduced at 4-5 months.
• Mothers without a partner were identified as a risk factor for ECF introduction specifically in the 4-5 month period.

Conclusions:

• Specific risk factors are associated with ECF introduction timing, with pacifier use and maternal employment being consistent across both studied periods.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering the timing of ECF introduction when addressing nutritional guidance.
• Interventions targeting pacifier use and supporting working mothers may help optimize ECF practices.