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Young Children Feeding Practices: An Update from the Sultanate of Oman
Salima Al Maamari1, Saleh Al Shammakhi1, Ibtisam Alghamari1
1Nutrition Department, Ministry of Health, Muscat 393, Oman.
Insights
Omani children received early breastfeeding and iron-rich meals, but exclusive breastfeeding at six months and minimum acceptable diet were low. Further strategies are needed to improve infant feeding practices in Oman.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Most countries struggle to meet international targets for appropriate complementary and breastfeeding (BF) practices.
- Oman, a high-income nation, faces challenges in optimal infant and young child feeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess infant and young child feeding practices in Oman.
- To correlate feeding practices with family parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Oman National Nutrition Survey (ONNS).
- Assessed socioeconomic, anthropometric, and nutritional variables at the household level.
- Evaluated age-appropriate BF, diet diversity, and minimum acceptable diet (MAD).
Main Results:
- 1344 mother-infant pairs were assessed.
- 81% received early BF, 29% exclusive BF at 6 months, 44% infant formula, 84% iron-rich meals.
- 58% had age-appropriate BF, 35% MAD; low maternal education, income, and younger maternal age negatively impacted diet acceptability.
Conclusions:
- Omani infants showed high rates of early BF and iron-rich meal consumption.
- Exclusive BF at 6 months and MAD remain low.
- Comprehensive strategies are necessary to improve infant feeding practices in Oman.
Abstract:
Despite proven benefits, most countries fail to meet international targets for appropriate complementary and Breast Feeding (BF) practices. This study assessed feeding practices of children under two years of age and correlated them with family parameters in Oman, a high income country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Methods:
Data from this study originated from the latest Oman National Nutrition Survey (ONNS). Assessment of children and their mothers' socioeconomic, anthropometric, and nutritional variables was conducted at the household level. Evaluated feeding practices included age appropriate BF, diet diversity, and minimum acceptable diet (MAD).
Results:
Pairs of mothers and infants (n = 1344) were assessed. Early BF, exclusive BF at 6 months, infant formula, and iron rich meals were provided to 81, 29, 44, and 84% of children, respectively. Age appropriate BF and MAD were found in 58% and 35% of children, respectively. Low maternal education, younger age, low household income, and governorate negatively affected diet acceptability.
Conclusion:
Omani children successfully received early BF postpartum and consumed iron rich meals. Yet, rates of exclusive BF rates at six months and MAD for children under two were low. Comprehensive strategies should be placed to assess and influence children feeding practices in the Sultanate.
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