Responsive Complementary Feeding Practices in Rural Muhanga District of Rwanda: A Mixed Methods Study

Responsive feeding among infants and young children (IYC) determines their food acceptance and adequate dietary intake, which enhances growth and developmental opportunities. However, little is known about responsive feeding practices among IYC in Rwanda. This study explored the status and barriers of responsive feeding practices among mothers from rural areas of Muhanga District in Rwanda.

This descriptive longitudinal and exploratory mixed methods study was conducted among 29 mothers from 2 rural health centers in Muhanga District. Mothers were interviewed, and their interactions with children during lunch meals at 6, 9, and 12 months were observed. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using Atlas.ti software.

The study shows that the number of mothers who reported to verbally encourage their children to eat during feeding increased with the child's age. Less than half of mothers, at all three time points of data collection (at 6, 9, and 12 months), reported and were observed allowing their children to self-feed, smiling and talking to them during feeding. The perceived major barriers to mother-child interaction during feeding were lack of time due to the burden of other responsibilities, and poverty. In addition, fear of messing up and food waste were barriers to child self-feeding opportunities.

Findings indicate that responsive feeding was less practiced among study mothers due to lack of time, poverty, and fear of food waste during child self-feeding. Nutrition interventions in this community should consider raising awareness of responsive feeding practices through education and encouraging mothers to devote sufficient time to interact with their children during feeding episodes.