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Abstract
Introduction: Inappropriate infant feeding practices are a factor in malnutrition in western Côte d'Ivoire, which can cause several problems. In fact, in this part of the country, 26% of children under the age of 5 are undernourished, and 6% of these children are wasted. In order to assess knowledge and practices regarding infant feeding, this survey was carried out among motherchild pairs at the Regional Hospital Center (RHC) of Man.
Methods: This was a descriptive survey carried out from February to March 2023 in the therapeutic nutrition unit of the paediatric department of the RHC of Man. The target population consisted of 250 mother-child pairs attending the unit. The questions mainly focused on the sociodemographic characteristics of the infants, the socio-economic characteristics of the household, supplementary feeding, and information channels related to nutrition and feeding of children aged between 6 and 24 months. Results: The age group of 12 to 18 months was the most representative (40%), with a female predominance (56%). Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced in only 42% of infants, with early introduction of water in 63.6% between 4 and 6 months. A total of 98.8% of infants were up to date with their vaccination schedules, and 36.4% received medical follow-up. Diversification began before 6 months in 62% of infants, and in the majority of cases, cereal-based porridge was introduced between 4 and 6 months. The introduction of vegetables and meat was delayed, occurring between 7 and 12 months (42.4%) and between 13 and 18 months (28%) respectively. Breastfeeding cessation occurred in 23.6% between 13 and 18 months. The most common difficulties in supplementary feeding were childhood illness (38%) and children's refusal to eat (26%). Conclusion: Inadequate practices and introduction of complementary foods were noted in the majority of cases. Hence, there is an urgent need to educate mothers on WHO recommendations regarding infant feeding diversification.[1]
WHO. Global strategy for infant and young child feeding. 2003. Available from: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/42590/9241562218.pdf?sequence=1
[2]
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[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0929-693X(10)70925-8]
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0929-693X(10)70925-8]
[4]
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[PMID: 30049146]
[PMID: 30049146]
[5]
WHO. Global strategy for infant and young child feeding. 2002. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241562218
[6]
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Hounkpatin AW. Evaluation of the potential to cover the vitamin A needs of young children from sauces accompanying basic foods consumed in Benin. Doctoral thesis from Montpellier University 2011.
[9]
MICS. Multiple indicator cluster survey Key results report. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: National Institute of Statistics 2016.
[10]
DHS. Demographic and Health Survey, 2021 / Key Indicator Report. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: National Institute of Statistics 2022.
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Korotimi S. Knowledge and practices of mothers regarding early childhood nutrition in the village of point G in commune III of the Bamako district. Mali: University of Bamako 2011; pp. 33-46.
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Camara D. Nutrition support for children at the reference health center in commune VI of the Bamako district 2009.
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[17]
WHO. Global strategy for infant and young child feeding: Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. 2001. Available from: https://apps.who.int/gb/archive/pdf_files/WHA54/ea54id4.pdf
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Bournez M. Determinants of dietary diversification practices of children in the ELFE study: Health data, family socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, early child growth. Medicine thesis Dijon: University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté 2018.
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