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Childhood feeding practice in north Ethiopia
Insights
Breastfeeding initiation is high in Ethiopia, but early cessation and delayed, low-quality complementary feeding are concerns. Continued parent education on infant and child nutrition is essential for better child health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Infant and young child feeding practices are critical determinants of child survival and development.
- Ethiopia faces challenges in optimal infant and young child feeding despite high breastfeeding rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current feeding practices among children under five in Ethiopia's Gondar Zuria district.
- To identify key areas for intervention in infant and young child feeding.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 1464 children under five in the Gondar Zuria district.
- Data collected included breastfeeding duration and timing of complementary feeding initiation and composition.
Main Results:
- 99.8% of infants were initially breastfed, with 15% discontinued within the first year.
- Complementary feeding was initiated between 4-6 months for 42.4%, but delayed beyond one year for 16%.
- The mean age for starting supplementary feeding was 9.9 months, with staple diets being common but nutritionally poor.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding initiation is not a problem; however, early termination, delayed complementary feeding, and poor nutritional quality of supplements require attention.
- Sustained parent education on infant and child feeding is crucial for improving nutritional status and health outcomes.
Abstract:
Feeding practices among 1464 under fives were surveyed in the Gondar Zuria district of northern Ethiopia from July 1993 to May 1994. 99.8% of the children in the study area were breast fed initially, 5% discontinued before six months of age and 15% before the end of their first year of life. The mean duration of breast feeding was 21.97 +/- 10.15 months. Supplementary diet was initiated between 4-6 months in 42.4% of the children while in 16% it was started beyond the first year of life. The mean age of starting supplementary feeding was 9.9 +/- 6.5 months. The most frequently used supplementary diet was the staple diet which has a low nutritious value. The study revealed that initiation of breast feeding is not a problem in Ethiopia and the major areas of concern are the early termination of breast feeding, the delay in initiation of supplementary diet and the low quality of supplementary diet. Proper and sustained education of parents on feeding infants and children needs continuing emphasis.