Les indicateurs de l'alimentation du nourrisson et du jeune enfant prédicteurs de la malnutrition chez les enfants 6-23 mois dans la zone de santé de Kapolowe, Haut-Katanga, R D Congo / NA

Introduction. L'étude visait évaluer les indicateurs de l'alimentation du nourrisson et du jeune enfant liés à l'état nutritionnel dans la zone de santé de Kapolowe, province du Haut Katanga avant les essais cliniques. Matériel et méthodes. Nous avons conduit une étude descriptive transversale dans la communauté auprès des 568 couples mère-enfant 6-23 mois évalués sur les indicateurs nutritionnels associés à la malnutrition. Résultats. L'allaitement maternel optimal était observé chez 10,7% des couples mère-enfant et l'alimentation complémentaire adéquate bénéficiée par 5,5% des enfants. Presque 25,6% des ménages utilisaient des toilettes améliorées, 98,8% des ménages buvaient l'eau des sources protégées et 12,1% des mères pratiquaient un minimum de lavage de mains. Le premier aliment complémentaire donné à la moitié des enfants (46%) était importé, mais 60,3 % des mères utilisaient le mélange farine de maïs + huile + sucre comme aliment de complément. La prévalence de la malnutrition aiguë, de la malnutrition chronique et de l'insuffisance pondérale était respectivement de 11,9%, 37% et 26,8%. La malnutrition aiguë était associée à l'occupation de la mère, au niveau socio-économique du ménage, à la Religion de la mère, à la consultation prénatale suivie par la mère, au Minimum de Diversité Alimentaire, à l'allaitement maternel non optimal, aux infections récurrentes et au faible poids de naissance. L'insuffisance pondérale était associée au sexe, à l'occupation de la mère, au niveau socio-économique, à la religion de la mère, au minimum de diversité alimentaire, à l'allaitement maternel non optimal, aux infections récurrentes et au faible poids de naissance. La malnutrition chronique était associée au sexe, au niveau socio-économique,

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess infant and young child feeding indicators related to nutritional status in the Kapolowe health zone, Haut Katanga province prior to the clinical trials. Material and methods. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in the community among568 mother-child pairs 6-23 months of age assessed on nutritional indicators associated with malnutrition. Results. Optimal breastfeeding was observed in 10.7% of the mother-child pairs and adequate complementary feeding in 5.5%. Almost 25.6% of households used improved toilets, 98.8% of households drank water from protected springs and 12.1% of mothers practiced minimal hand washing,12.1% of mothers practiced minimal handwashing. The first supplementary food given to half of the children (46%) was imported food, but 60.3% of mothers used maize flour + oil + sugar as a complementary food. The prevalence of acute malnutrition, chronic malnutrition and under weight were 11.9%, 37% and26.8% respectively. Acute malnutrition was associated with the mother's occupation, household socio-economic level, mother's religion, prenatal consultation attended by the mother, minimum dietary diversity, non-optimal breastfeeding, recurrent infections, and low birth weigh. Underweight was associated with gender, maternal occupation, socio-economic level, maternal religion, minimum dietary diversity, non-optimal breastfeeding, recurrent infections and low birth weight. Chronic malnutrition was associated with gender, socio-economic level, minimum meal frequency, type of toilet used, non-optimal breastfeeding, recurrent infections, and low birth weight. Conclusion. The prevalence of malnutrition, in all its forms, is still very high and worrying among children aged 6-23 months. The feeding practices are predictors of it.

Infant Feeding Methods among HIV-Positive Mothers in Yei County; South Sudan

Introduction: This study describes the infant feeding methods chosen by HIV-positive mothers in Yei County; South Sudan and the factors that influenced their choice. Methods: This cross-sectional study used quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from a sample of HIV positive mothers from Yei Hospital Mother and Child Health (MCH) section; and St Bakhita Primary Health Care Centre.Results: The results showed that the mothers' levels of correct knowledge about HIV transmission to infants; and infant feeding guidelines to prevent transmission were high. Most mothers chose exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusions: The factors which were significantly associated with the choice of infant feeding methods included: marital status; level of education; income; knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; cultural beliefs; social stigma and cost of infant feeding method

Audit of Feeding Practices in the Neonatal Wards at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Background. Breastfeeding is the preferred choice of infant feeding. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a ten-step plan to help establish successful breastfeeding and is adapted by public sector hospitals in Gauteng. Despite this; rates of breastfeeding in sick and preterm neonates remain low.Objective. To determine feeding practices of neonates in the neonatal wards of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) on discharge.Methods. A retrospective review of the CMJAH neonatal database of feeding choices of neonates discharged from the CMJAH neonatal unit between 1 January 2013 and 30 April 2013 was conducted.Results. The records of 404 neonates were studied. A total of 98 (24%) were very low birth weight (VLBW) (1 500 g); while 306 (75.7%) were 1 500 g or more. Only 94 (23.2%) were discharged on exclusive breastmilk; 232 (57.4%) were discharged on exclusive formula milk and 78 (19.3%) babies were discharged on mixed feeds (both formula milk and breastmilk). Significant variables associated with feeding choices were HIV exposure; perinatal asphyxia and resuscitation at birth and; particularly in the VLBW group; necrotising enterocolitis was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion. Despite the fact that the CMJAH was involved in the BFHI; rates of exclusive breastfeeding were still low. This needs to be urgently addressed with employment of lactation consultants and improved counselling of mothers exposed to HIV on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding

Acidified Infant Formula Explained

The development of effective methods to prevent acute gastroenteritis is an important goal for infant health. Exclusive breastfeeding and postponement of complementary foods until the age of six months is recommended for healthy infants. However; at times; infant formula is required. Various types are commercially available. Acidified cow's milk formula has been found to prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria and concurring diarrhoeal disease

Uncomplicated Caesarean Section: is Delayed Return to Oral Feeding Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To asses the feasibility and practicability of resuming oral feeding six hours after caesarean section.METHODS: Eighty five women undergoing primary caesarean section at proprietary hospital in Lagos Nigeria were randomised into two groups of commencement of oral feeding six hours after surgery and waiting for at least 24hours for bowel sounds to return.RESULTS: In 27(64.3) of the 42 patients in the routine feeding group; normal bowel sounds were present about 24hours after the operation as against 37(86.0) of 43 in the early feeding group(X2 = 5.41;p= 0.02 ; OR = 3.43 ; 1.06 - 11.5). While 93.0(40) of the patients in early feeding group had bowel motion within 48hours ; only 69.0(29) of the patients in the routine feeding group had bowel motion within same period( X2 = 6.50 ; p = 0.01). The percentage of mothers that were ambulant within 8hours were more in the early feeding group (83.7) compared to the routine feeding group (61.9) -X2 = 5.12; p = 0.02). The overall gastrointestinal morbidity among the early feeding group was higher (18.6) compared to routine feeding group (11.9) but the difference was not statistically significant(X2 = 0.13; p = 0.72; OR = 1.54; CI = 0.38 - 6.33).Conclusion:Early oral finding is not only feasible but practicable