Impact of Intervention on Nutritional Status of Under-Fives in Tribal Blocks of Palghar District in Maharashtra, India

Background: There is a need to improve their nutritional status of under?five children through specific targeted interventions. The present study discusses the impact of intervention on nutritional status among under?five children in Palghar district from Maharashtra. Objective: The objective is to improve the nutritional status of under?five children by implementing multi?component health and nutrition education intervention, focusing on dietary counseling and modification keeping in view the cultural and socio?economic status of population. Methods: A prospective pre? and post?intervention study was conducted in two tribal blocks. Total 480 under?five children were included in pre? and post?intervention survey each. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding rates improved from 48.9% to 50.5% and initiation of complementary feeding at 6 months improved from 48.3% to 72.5% in post intervention survey as compared to preintervention survey. Among other Infant and Young Child Feeding indicators, Minimum Meal Frequency increased significantly to 67.03% from 5.91% and minimum acceptable diet improved from 5.37% to 47.2% in post intervention survey. The prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) reduced from 5.4% to nil whereas severe stunting and underweight significantly decreased by 17% and 8% respectively in post intervention survey. Severe anemia decreased from 16.24% to nil post intervention. Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial improvement in timely initiation of complementary feeds, nil cases of SAM, stunting, and underweight along with severe anemia in postintervention phase. This highlights the impact of multicomponent health and nutrition education interventions which may be adapted at a programmatic level to reduce child mortality and morbidity in India.

Age‑Appropriate Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Slum‑Dwelling Young Children in Kolkata during COVID‑19 Pandemic: A Cross‑Sectional Study

Introduction: COVID‑19 pandemic was postulated to affect the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and their nutritional status. This study was planned to assess IYCF practices and nutritional status of infant and young children residing in slum areas and their association with selected background characteristics. Materials and Methods: Acommunity‑based, cross‑sectional study was conducted in slums of Kolkata Municipal Corporation among 161 mother–child dyads from October to December 2020. After obtaining informed consent, mothers were interviewed to collect information about their socioeconomic status, hardship faced during pandemic, and IYCF practices of their children using indicators proposed by the World Health Organization and Government of India. Weight and height were measured using the standard operating protocol. The proportion was used to express descriptive statistics. Binary logistic regression models were used for calculating the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) using PSPP (v 1.20). Results: Only 64 (39.8%) children received age‑appropriate feeding; 73 (45.3%) had single/multiple anthropometric failure(s). Reduction of family income was reported by 142 (88.2%) respondents. Children aged 6–8 months (AOR = 17.08, 6.43–45.42) were more likely to not have appropriate feeding. Association of female gender (AOR = 2.00, 1.01–4.00), maternal education less than middle class (AOR = 2.58, 1.22–5.46), and lack of appropriate feeding (AOR = 2.57, 1.08–6.12) were statistically significant with the presence of anthropometric failure. Conclusions: The study revealed a dismal scenario of child feeding and nutritional status of young children in the urban slums of Kolkata. Pandemic and imposed restrictions hit the families hard by reducing income and increasing food‑related costs.

Infant feeding knowledge and practice among HIVpositive mothers attending HIV treatment centres in Lagos

Background: Twenty five to forty percent of children will be infected with HIV in the absence of any form of intervention which is Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT). Objectives: This study determined the infant feeding knowledge and practices among HIV positive mothers attending HIV treatment centers in Lagos. Methods: A descriptive crosssectional design was used for the study. A multistage sampling technique was used to select / recruit 290 HIV positive mothers with babies between the ages of 2weeks to 18months, attending PMTCT services into the study Pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data and analysis was done using Epi-info software. Chi-square and Fischer exact tests were used to determine association between the dependent and independent variables. The pvalue was set at 0.05. Results: Majority of the respondents (58.9%) were within the age range of 31 ­ 40 years and about half had a secondary school level of education. Exclusive formula feeding (40.3%) and exclusive breast feeding (42.4%) were feeding options known by the majority of the respondents. More than half (55.5%) of the mothers had a good knowledge of infant feeding options. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was practiced by majority (55.5%) of the respondents, 21.4% practiced exclusive formula feeding (EFF) while only 6% practiced mixed feeding (MF). Knowledge of infant feeding options and the attitude towards exclusive breast feeding being enough in the first 6 months of life were associated with infant feeding options practiced; those with good knowledge of infant feeding options did not practice MF (9.7%) (p = 0.013). Conclusion: knowledge of infant feeding options was good and poor knowledge was associated with exclusive formula feeding. Majority practiced EBF. Educational programmes targeted at improving the knowledge of HIV and infant feeding options as well as strengthening of counseling sessions at PMTCT clinic would help reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the child.

Determinants of developmental milestones among children 0- 23 months at Kabale Hospital, Uganda

BACKGROUND :Approximately 200 million children globally fail to fulfil their development potential due to malnutrition, poor health, and unstimulating environments. Children in Kabale, Uganda, may be at particularly high risk as the rate of malnutrition in the region is likely to impact development. The study aimed to identify possible determinants influencing developmental milestones of breastfed and non-breastfed children aged 0-23 months. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study was conducted at the young child clinic of Kabale hospital, among 250 children aged 0-23 months and their caregivers, for two months. The study adopted a comparative cross-sectional design, and systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents for the study. The socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional status, and feeding practices were assessed using structured pretested questionnaires. Developmental milestones of the children (communication, motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and social skills) were assessed using the modified ages and stages questionnaires. The data collected was tabulated, analysed statistically, and the results interpreted. RESULTS :Developmental scores were not associated with breastfeeding and minimum meal frequency. A milestone achievement of communication skills was associated with caregiver's education, caregiver's age and length-for-age. Gross motor scores were associated with the caregiver's age, weight-for-age, and length for age. Achievement of fine motor skills was associated with caregiver's education, caregiver's age, child's age, length for age, and children who met the minimum dietary diversity score. Problem-solving scores were associated with child's age, weight for age, length for age, and children who met the minimum dietary diversity. Personal social scores were associated with lower caregiver's age and normal weight for age Conclusion: Developmental scores were not associated with breastfeeding and minimum meal frequency. Development in early childhood was mainly associated with caregiver's age, caregiver's education, child's age, weight for age, length for age, and minimum dietary diversity score. Children under the care of younger caregivers and those who attained normal nutrition status had significantly more developed motor and social skills compared to children with older caregivers and undernourished children, respectively.

Picky Eating Behaviour, Feeding Practices, Dietary Habits, Weight Status and Cognitive Function Among School Children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Picky eating behaviour was linked to nutritional problems due to limited dietary variety. This study aimed to determine the causes and consequences associated with picky eating behaviour among school-aged children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: A total of 339 children aged seven to nine years participated in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic factors, eating behaviours and child/ parental feeding style were assessed through parent’s questionnaires, while eating habits of children were accessed through child’s questionnaire. Body height and weight were measured; body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Cognitive function level was determined using the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices test. Results: One third (38%) of the children were picky eaters and consumed lesser vegetables (χ2 =4.49,p=0.034) and fish (χ2 =5.55,p=0.019), but more milk and dairy products (χ2 =3.91,p=0.048), snacks (χ2 =6.25,p=0.012) and fast food (χ2 =7.35,p=0.007) compared to non-picky eaters. Picky eaters were more likely to have normal weight status based on weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age compared to non-picky eaters (p<0.05). Picky eaters came from a household with other picky eaters in the family and their parents tend to use an instrumental feeding style. Picky eaters had a poorer cognitive function compared to non-picky eaters (p=0.03). Conclusion: We did not find significant differences in growth parameters between picky and non-picky eaters but picky eaters were more likely to have a poorer cognitive function. As parental feeding styles significantly influenced children’s eating behaviour, interventions should target parents to improve their children’s dietary variety.

Influences on Infant Feeding Practices: An Ecological Perspective

@#Nutrition in infancy contributes to a significant portion on the notion of the importance of nutrition during the first 1000 days of life. A vast pool of literature exists on the importance of nutrition during this phase of life with future diseases, obesity and mental health. However, despite the availability of many guidelines and policies revolving around infant feeding practices, adherence to it remains poor. This review explains factors that influence infant feeding practices from an ecological point of view. A Bronfenbrenner ecological model was used to argue the influence and interaction of various ecological factors on infant feeding practices. The review highlights that the way these factors affect infant feeding differs according to populations and settings. This review suggests the need for more robust and population sensitive interventions to improve infant feeding practices globally.

Parental feeding style of mothers in the province of Ilocos Sur

@#The increasing trend of childhood obesity is becoming an imminent concern in both developed and developing countries. Besides genetic predisposition, environmental and social factors are contributory factors to this global epidemic. These factors include maternal feeding practices and style. This study determined mothers' parental feeding styles in the province of Ilocos Sur and the factors that predict them. Also, the study ascertained if parental feeding styles are related to the child's Body Mass Index (BMI). This study used the descriptive-correlational research method and included 156 mothers with children aged 2-3. Respondents were chosen purposively. The Parental Feeding Style Questionnaire developed by Wardle et al. (2002) was used to gather the needed data. For data analysis, the frequency and percentage, mean, multiple regression, and Pearson product-moment of correlation were used. This study concluded that mothers vary in their characteristics and so on their feeding styles. Based on study results, they have high levels of encouragement and emotional feeding and average levels of instrumental feeding and control over feeding. However, encouragement feeding is the dominant feeding style among respondents among the four feeding styles. Various maternal traits have been found to predict a specific parental feeding style except for the control over feeding subscale. Additionally, only encouragement feeding was found to have an indirect correlation with a child's BMI.

Adherence to age-appropriate feeding practices among Filipino children under two: An analysis of the 2018- 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey

@#Introduction: Age-appropriate feeding in the first two years of life is essential to a child’s growth and development, with health implications that persist throughout life. This study examined the adherence to age-appropriate feeding practices among children 0-23.9 months old based on a constructed index, its association with anthropometric growth, and factors affecting adherence. Methods: A total of 9,138 children aged 0-23.9 months with complete information on infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF), anthropometric measurements, maternal information, and household characteristics were included in the study. Data were extracted from a nationwide survey conducted in 2018-2019. Results: Among children aged 0-23.9 months, 20.7% adhered to age-appropriate feeding criteria. More than half (57.7%) of children below six months adhered to age-appropriate exclusive breastfeeding practices, while 1.4% of children aged 6-8.9 months old started complementary feeding. Continued breastfeeding at 12 months of age while receiving complementary feeding was uncommon (11%). Significantly higher z-scores for weight-for-age (-0.6±0.04), height-for-age (-0.8±0.05), and weight-for-height (-0.2±0.05) were noted among children who adhered to age-appropriate feeding practices compared to those who did not. Child’s age and birth weight, as well as mother’s age, education, and working status, were found to significantly influence the likelihood of adhering to age-appropriate feeding index. Conclusion: Filipino infants and young children under two years of age have low adherence to age-appropriate feeding practices, putting them at a higher risk of repeated occurrence of infection that could lead to stunting in early life.

Knowledge and food practices questionnaire: construction and validation

Abstract Objectives: To develop and validate an instrument about nutritional knowledge and feeding practices to be used in children aged 7-11 years, based on the latest Brazilian Food Guide. Methods: Review on the subject; instrument creation; content validity with two groups of judges: first, nutritionists and, after adjustments, a multidisciplinary group (content validity index [CVI]); FACE validity; reproducibility analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], level of agreement, and kappa [k]); internal consistency analysis (Cronbach's alpha[α]) and construct validity (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and exploratory factorial analysis). The sample was calculated, considering at least ten subjects for each question of the questionnaire. Results: There was a final sample of 453 children (53.6% girls), with a mean age of 9.45 years (SD = 1.44). The content validity showed a CVI ≥ 0.80 for relevance in 62.3% of the items for nutritionists' group and 100% of the items for the multidisciplinary group, clarity (49.4%, 91.8%), and pertinence (58.8%, 98.4%), respectively. The test-retest showed a level of agreement of 84.3% and k = 0.740 for the Knowledge dimension and ICC = 0.754 for the Food Practices dimension. The internal consistency showed α = 0.589 for the Knowledge dimension and α = 0.618 for the Food Practices dimension. For the construct validity, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin was 0.724 and exploratory factorial analysis showed a variance of 47.01 with varimax rotation and defined five factors for the Practices Dimension. Conclusion: The Food Knowledge and Practices Questionnaire (Questionário de Conhecimento e Práticas Alimentares [QCPA]) instrument showed validity and reliability to assess nutritional knowledge and food practices in children aged 7-11 years.

Maternal Determinants of Feeding Practices among Children Under Two Years in Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

@#Introduction: Optimum feeding practices can help children under two years old achieve a pivotal period of growth, health, behaviour and intellectual development. However, suboptimal feeding practices are still found in developing countries, and are influenced by maternal factors. We aim to investigate maternal education, employment, age, and feeding practices among children under two years old in Sleman District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design involving 388 mothers who had 0–24 months old children. The subjects were taken from the Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada in 2019. The association between maternal determinants and feeding practice was analyzed using fisher’s exact and chi-square test. Results: 21.1% of children were started on infant formula at 0–6 months old. The first initiation of fruits, milk enriched porridge, and soft foods was mainly in 6–9 months old infants (63.1%; 46.6%; 49.0%), once (74.7%), twice (48.8%) and three times daily (46.1%), respectively. 30.9% of children had been given solid foods in >12 months old, three times daily (66.3%). There was a significant association between maternal employment to the first initiation and the daily frequency of infant formula (p<0.001 and p=0.008), maternal education to the daily frequency of fruits (p=0.020) and soft foods (p=0.013) feeding. Conclusion: Maternal education and employment are associated with feeding practices among children under two years old. Education on child feeding is recommended to increase their practice.

Results of a study on breastfeeding practices / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background@#Breastfeeding is the ideal food source for all newborns globally. Proper feeding of infants and young children promotes optimal growth and development, especially in the critical window from birth to 2 years of age. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for the first 2 years of life protects children from infection, provides an ideal source of nutrients, and is economical and safe.@*Objective@#To assess the indicators of infant feeding practices among 0- 23 months old children.@*Materials and Methods@#The NNS V was implemented in 21 aimags (provinces) in 4 economic regions (Central, Eastern, Khangai, Western) and the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Given the regional differences in lifestyle and nutrition status, target populations were stratified into 5 strata based on economic region and Ulaanbaatar with equal samples drawn from each stratum using a cluster-randomized sampling design [1]. The infant and young child feeding indicators assessed in the NNS V were based on the mother’s or caretaker’s report of breastfeeding and consumption of foods and fluids by the child during the day or night prior to being interviewed.@*Results@#83.7% of children under 2 years started breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth and though almost all children were ever breastfed (97.9%), a slightly higher percentage of girls were ever breastfed overall and within 1 hour of birth. Children 0-5 months were categorized according to whether they were exclusively breastfed or predominantly breastfed, with the former only allowing vitamins, mineral supplements, and medicine and the latter also including plain water and non-milk liquids. Among children 0-5 months of age, 58.3% were exclusively breastfed and 65.3% were predominantly breastfed, having received other liquids or foods in addition to breast milk. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was lowest in the 4th wealth index quintile (46.5%) and wealthiest quintile (54.0%) households.@*Conclusions@#Exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding practices are unacceptably low in Mongolia; 20% of newborns are not breastfed within 1 hour of birth and more than 40% of infants under 6 months of age are not exclusively breastfed and therefore, not receiving optimum nutritional and immunity benefits from breast milk. Strengthening IYCF counselling in all regions and wealth quintiles to support women to practice optimal breastfeeding, along with counselling and awareness of timely and adequate complementary feeding for children under 2 years of age, should be a top priority for public health and as it is a key strategy to reduce malnutrition in children.

Prácticas de alimentación infantil de cuidadores principales, conducta alimentaria y estado nutricional de preescolares en Chile / Child feeding practices of primary caregivers, eating behavior and nutritional status of preschoolers in Chile

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer la relación entre estado nutricional, prácticas de alimentación del cuidador y conducta alimentaria en preescolares de una comuna del centro sur de Chile. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 249 preescolares y sus cuidadores principales. Se encontró una relación positiva entre índice de masa corporal (IMC) del niño y preocupación por el peso del niño (r = .51, p < .01), así como entre IMC del niño y alimentación restrictiva del cuidador (r = .20, p < .01). Se encontraron relaciones débiles aunque significativas entre estado nutricional (IMC y porcentaje de grasa corporal) y conducta alimentaria en niños. Análisis de correlaciones canónicas indicaron que las variables agrupadas de prácticas de alimentación infantil se relacionaron positivamente con el estado nutricional del niño (ρ3 = .54, < .001). Adicionalmente, se encontró que la preocupación por el peso del niño mediaba parcialmente la relación entre restricción alimentaria e IMC (IC 95% efecto indirecto "ab" [.02; .13]) y entre restricción y porcentaje de grasa corporal (IC 95% efecto indirecto "ab" [.06; .50]). Las actitudes y prácticas de alimentación infantil de los cuidadores principales, particularmente la preocupación por el peso del niño y la restricción en la alimentación juegan un rol crítico en la mantención y manejo de la obesidad en preescolares. Se exploran las implicancias prácticas de estos hallazgos.

Abstract The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between child nutritional status, feeding practices of the primary caregiver and the child eating behavior of preschoolers in a community in south-central Chile. The sample comprised 249 preschool children from three public and semi-public schools and their primary caregivers. A positive relationship was found between body mass index (BMI) and weight concern (r = .51, p < .01) and restrictive feeding practice (r = .20, p < .01). Significant but weak relationship existed between BMI, body fat percentage and child eating behavior. Canonical correlation analysis indicated that child feeding practices as a group were related to nutritional status of children. Additionally, weight concerns partially mediate the relationship between restrictive feeding and BMI (CI 95% indirect effect "ab" [.02; .13]) and body fat percentage (IC 95% efecto indirecto "ab" [.06; .50]). Child feeding practices of the primary caregivers, particularly weight concern and restrictive feeding play an important role in the management of the preschool children obesity.

Actitudes y prácticas parentales de alimentación infantil: Una revisión de la literatura / Parental attitudes and feeding practices: A scoping review

RESUMEN Introducción: si bien la conducta alimentaria depende de múltiples factores, existe acuerdo en la importancia de aspectos socio-ambientales en los que la familia tiene un rol central, especialmente en edades tempranas. Objetivo: sistematizar evidencia científica actualizada sobre la asociación entre actitudes y prácticas de alimentación infantil, conducta alimentaria y estado nutricional del niño. Método: revisión narrativa de 40 artículos empíricos publicados entre los años 2011 y 2019. Resultados: se identificó tendencia en los padres a subestimar el peso corporal en niños con sobrepeso, y asociación entre preocupación por el peso, presión para comer y estado nutricional del niño. La alimentación restrictiva y el uso de la alimentación para fines instrumentales y controlar emociones, no serían prácticas efectivas, posiblemente porque interfieren en la capacidad de autorregulación del niño. Prácticas positivas incluyeron monitoreo, modelado de patrones alimentarios saludables y creación de ambientes no obesogénicos. Conclusión: existen hallazgos consistentes respecto a que prácticas coercitivas pueden ejercer efectos negativos en la conducta alimentaria infantil y prácticas que promueven la estructuración en la alimentación y un entorno positivo, serían más funcionales. La evidencia internacional es consistente en la relevancia de padres y cuidadores en la promoción de una conducta alimentaria saludable y la condición nutricional de niños.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the last years, there has been an exponential increase in childhood obesity rates worldwide. Although eating behavior depends on multiple factors, there is agreement on the impact of socio-environmental aspects in which the family has a central role. Identifying the influence of parents and caregivers on child eating behavior can help to generate effective strategies for controlling obesity, especially at early stages. Aim: To review recent scientific evidence on the association between parental feeding attitudes and practices, eating behavior and nutritional status of the child. Method: Narrative review of 40 empirical articles published between 2011 and 2019. Results: Parents tend to underestimate body weight in overweight children. Weight concern and pressure to eat are associated with the nutritional status of the child. Restrictive feeding and the use of food for instrumental purposes and as a mean of controlling emotions, would not be effective practices, possibly because they interfere with the child's ability to self-regulate intake. Positive practices included monitoring, modelling healthy eating patterns and creating non-obese environments. Conclusion: Consistent findings support the notion that coercive practices could have negative effects on child eating behavior. Moreover, practices that promote structured and a positive environment could be more functional. However, international evidence is consistent in the relevance of parents and caregivers in promoting healthy eating behavior and the nutritional status of children.

Factores maternos asociados a prácticas alimentarias con lactancia materna exclusiva / Maternal factors associated with feeding practices with exclusive breastfeeding / Fatores maternos associados às práticas alimentares com aleitamento materno exclusivo

RESUMEN El abandono precoz de lactancia materna es una problemática de interés mundial. Con el objetivo de determinar la asociación entre factores maternos y duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de cohorte, en niños de seis meses de edad y sus madres, que habitan en el área del policlínico Jimmy Hirzel, municipio Bayamo, provincia Granma, durante el periodo enero-diciembre del 2018. Integraron la muestra 140 niños y sus madres, seleccionados por criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se exploraron variables maternas: edad, escolaridad, ocupación, paridad, procedencia, conocimientos sobre lactancia materna y prácticas alimentarias con lactancia materna exclusiva. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. Como resultados relevantes, al caracterizar la muestra destacaron las madres de 20 a 34 años de edad (75,7%), nivel de escolaridad preuniversitario (37,1 %), trabajadoras (40,7%), con un solo hijo (66,4%), de procedencia rural (70,7%), con conocimientos adecuados sobre lactancia materna (63,6%). El 65 % ofreció a sus hijos LME por seis meses, la causa principal del abandono del amamantamiento exclusivo fue la hipogalactia materna (59%). Los factores maternos que se asociaron al abandono de la práctica antes de los seis meses fueron: edad (madres adolescentes o añosas 0,0165), menor nivel de escolaridad (0,0373), primiparidad (p= 0,009) y bajo nivel de conocimiento sobre lactancia materna (0,0001).

ABSTRACT The early abandonment of breastfeeding is a problem of global interest. In order to determine the association between maternal factors and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (SCI), an observational, analytical, cohort study was conducted in six-month-old children and their mothers, who live in the Jimmy Hirzel polyclinic area, Bayamo municipality, Granma province, during the period January-December 2018. The sample comprised 140 children and their mothers, selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Maternal variables were explored: age, schooling, occupation, parity, origin, knowledge about breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding feeding practices. Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods were used. As relevant results, when characterizing the sample, mothers from 20 to 34 years old (75.7%), pre-university level of education (37.1%), workers (40.7%) stood out. , with a single child (66.4%), of rural origin (70.7%), with adequate knowledge of breastfeeding (63.6%). 65% offered their children SCI for six months, the main cause of abandoning exclusive breastfeeding was maternal hypogalactia (59%). The maternal factors that were associated with abandoning the practice before six months were: age (adolescent or elderly mothers 0.0165), lower level of education (0.0373), primiparity (p = 0.009) and low level of knowledge about breastfeeding maternal (0.0001).

RESUMO O abandono precoce da amamentação é um problema de interesse global. Para determinar a associação entre fatores maternos e duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo (LM), foi realizado um estudo observacional, analítico e de coorte em crianças de seis meses e suas mães, residentes na área policlínica de Jimmy Hirzel. , Município de Bayamo, província de Granma, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2018. A amostra foi composta por 140 crianças e suas mães, selecionadas por critérios de inclusão e exclusão. As variáveis ​​maternas foram exploradas: idade, escolaridade, ocupação, paridade, procedência, conhecimento sobre aleitamento materno e práticas de aleitamento materno exclusivo. Foram utilizados métodos teóricos, empíricos e estatísticos. Como resultados relevantes, ao caracterizar a amostra, destacaram-se mães entre 20 e 34 anos (75,7%), nível de ensino pré-universitário (37,1%), trabalhadoras (40,7%). , com um filho solteiro (66,4%), de origem rural (70,7%), com conhecimento adequado sobre aleitamento materno (63,6%). 65% ofereceram SCI aos filhos por seis meses, a principal causa do abandono do aleitamento materno exclusivo foi a hipogalactia materna (59%). Os fatores maternos associados ao abandono da prática antes dos seis meses foram: idade (mães adolescentes ou idosas 0,0165), menor escolaridade (0,0373), primiparidade (p = 0,009) e baixo nível de conhecimento sobre aleitamento materno materna (0,0001).

Study of Infant Feeding Practices in Rural Area in Goa

Background: Suboptimal feeding practices during the infancy increase the risk of death, illness, and malnutrition. Despiteoverwhelming evidence of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, only about 40% babies under 6 months are exclusivelybreastfed, due to the lack of understanding of optimal feeding practices and lack of support from health service providers,community members, and families; babies who are not exclusively breastfed in the early months have a higher risk of death,especially from infection. The Lancet’s 2003 child survival series identified that exclusive breastfeeding could save up to 1.3million children worldwide. This essential intervention involves the early initiation of breastfeeding and ensuring that the mothergives only breastmilk and no other food or fluids during the first 6 months of life. Undernutrition of children is an importantcontributor to the deaths of 10.5 million children globally each year.Aims and Objectives: The present study seeks to estimate the proportion of mothers carrying out age-appropriate infantfeeding practices. Besides, the present study was conducted to study factors associated with infant feeding practices andreasons preventing exclusive breastfeeding in infants.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in the field practice area of Rural Health andTraining Centre, Mandur, Goa, from February 2019 to August 2019. Recruitment of study population was done by a systematicrandom sampling method and study population comprised of mothers with infants between 9 months and 1 year. A structuredquestionnaire was used to collect data in a face to face interview with the mother.Results: In the present study, 150 infants aged 9 months to 1 year were recruited. It was observed that exclusive breastfeedingup to 6 months was carried out in 94 infants (62.66%). Early initiation of breastfeeding was carried out in 37 infants (24.7%).Weaning of infants by 6 months was started in 72 infants (48.18%). Exclusive breastfeeding of infants was found to bestatistically significantly associated with mother’s occupation (≥2 = 27.152; P = 0.00019), religion (≥2 = 12.19; P = 0.015), andage (≥2 = 25.4; P = 0.0002).Conclusions: Suboptimal feeding practices during the infancy increase the risk of death, illness, and malnutrition. It is imperativeto educate mothers on infant and young child feeding practices and create awareness within communities to achieve optimalgrowth and development of infants.

Infant and young child feeding practices among tribal mothers in Sambalpur district, Odisha, India

Background: Indicators of infant and young child and feeding (IYCF) practices have been devised by WHO in order to help objectively assess the prevalence of these practices in the population. IYCF practices play a vital role in the control of infant and child deaths. This study was undertaken to assess the IYCF practices among children aged less than 2 years among the tribal population. Objective of this study to measure the indicators of IYCF practices in children in the 0-23 months age group.Methods: It is a community based, cross sectional study of infant and young child feeding practices among tribal mothers having children younger than 24 months, in Sambalpur district of Odisha from October 2017 to December 2019. The study participants were tribal mothers having children less than 24 months of age. The sample size was 384.Results: Among the study participants, 93.5% belonged to the 21-30 years age bracket, 37.5% had middle school certificate education and 75.3% belonged to the upper lower socioeconomic class. The indicators were continued breastfeeding at 1 year (100%), continued breastfeeding at 2 years (100%) and children ever breastfed (100%), exclusive breastfeeding (98.71%) and bottle feeding (16.36%). A significant association was found between delivery by lower segment caesarean section and delayed initiation of breastfeeding.Conclusions: The indicators related to breastfeeding and complementary feeding were adequate except for minimum dietary diversity and minimum adequate diet.

Actitudes y prácticas de alimentación de cuidadores principales de escolares de origen Mapuche y no Mapuche según estado nutricional / Attitudes and feeding practices of primary caregivers of Mapuche and non-Mapuche schoolchildren according to nutritional status

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo asociar actitudes y prácticas de alimentación infantil de cuidadores con el estado nutricional de niños de origen mapuche y no mapuche. Participaron 200 escolares de primero a cuarto básico y sus cuidadores. Se realizó medición de peso y talla en los niños, y cuidadores respondieron el Child Feeding Questionnaire y un instrumento de caracterización sociodemográfica. Los resultados indicaron presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en 56% del total de niños evaluados, cifra superior al promedio nacional, con un porcentaje significativamente superior (p≤0.001) en el grupo de origen mapuche (71,9%). Las asociaciones más fuertes del puntaje z de IMC del niño se encontraron con peso percibido d (r= 0,56, p= <0,001) y preocupación por el peso (r= 0,34, p= <0,001). Lo mismo ocurrió al segmentar la muestra por etnia. La única actitud que demostró diferencias entre grupos fue la responsabilidad percibida (p=0,018), resultando inferior en el grupo mapuche. No obstante, las diferencias según etnia, ésta no resultó predictora del estado nutricional del niño, pero sí el peso percibido (β= 3,778, p< 0,001) y la preocupación por el peso (β= 0,944, p= 0,018). Lo anterior refuerza el rol de actitudes y prácticas de padres y cuidadores en el estado nutricional del niño con independencia de los factores culturales implicados.

This study aims to associate child feeding attitudes and practices of caregivers with the nutritional status of Mapuche and non-Mapuche children. Two hundred schoolchildren from first to fourth grade and their caregivers participated. Measurement of weight and height was performed in children; caregivers completed the Child Feeding Questionnaire and a sociodemographic characterization instrument. Fifty six percent of the children assessed were overweight or obese, with a significantly higher percentage (p≤0,001) in the Mapuche group (71.9%). Child's BMI z-score was strongly related with perceived weight (r= 0,56 p= <0.001) and weight concern (r= 0,34, p= <0,001). The same results were found when segmenting the sample by ethnicity. The only attitude that showed differences between groups was perceived responsibility (p= 0,018), being lower in the Mapuche group. Despite the differences according to ethnicity, this variable was not predictive of the nutritional status of the child, unlike perceived weight (β= 3,778, p<0,001) and weight concern (β= 0,944, p= 0,018). These findings reinforce the role of attitudes and practices of parents and caregivers in the nutritional status of the child, regardless of the cultural factors involved.

Retrospective Child Feeding Practices and Obesity Risk among Young adults

@#Introduction: Early environmental factors play a major role in shaping the health of an individual. Dietary preference and habits shaped by parental feeding practice during childhood are likely to persist into adulthood which further determines body weights status. This study aimed to determine the retrospective child feeding practices associated with obesity risk in young adults. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with 176 university students in Kuala Lumpur. Data of maternal age, gestational age and feeding practices were collected retrospectively using Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ). Subject’s current socio-demographic data was collected and anthropometric measurements were taken using standard protocol. Results: Around 22% of the subjects were overweight/ obese. No significant association was found between child feeding practices with maternal age. A significant association (p<0.05) was found between pressure to eat with gestational age, in which parent with preterm (<37 weeks gestation) and full-term subjects were more likely to pressure their child to eat as compared to post-term subjects (>42 weeks gestation). Obesity risk in young adults was higher among parents who viewed themselves as overweight (aOR=2.783; CI=1.631-4.749) and who viewed their child as overweight from birth to primary school (aOR= 1.512; CI=1.080-2.116). Young adults that were pressured by their parents to eat during childhood were less likely to be obese (aOR=0.785; CI=0.621-0.992). Conclusion: Parental influences on child feeding practices were linked to obesity risk in young adulthood. Parent education on child feeding practices is needed to maintain healthy weight status of their child from young to later life.

Association of Socio-Demographics and Home Food Environment Factors on Body Weight Status Among Primary School Children

@#Introduction: Obesity in children is a global epidemic issue. Home food environment is an important aspect that may influence children’s body weight status. The aim of this study is to identify the association between socio-demographics and home food environment (HFE) factors with body weight status in primary school children in Bangi, Selangor. Methods: There were 398 children (43.5% males and 56.5% females) aged 7-11 years old (mean age of 9.04±1.41 years) and their parents (66.6% mothers and 33.4% fathers) from eight randomly selected primary schools participated in this study. Parents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic background, feeding practices and food availability, while children were interviewed to obtain information on parental styles and physical activity level. Weight and height of children were assessed, and BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) was calculated by using WHO Anthroplus Software. Results: Overweight and obesity prevalence was 17.8% and 13.1% respectively. A majority of the parents (61.3%) in this study practiced authoritative parenting style. The increased odds of childhood obesity has been found to be associated with an increasing age (OR=1.239, p<0.05). The risk for overweight or obese was greater for male students than for female students (OR=1.619, p<0.05). Parent’s increasing restriction for weight control (OR=1.080, p<0.05) and decreasing pressure to eat (OR=0.913, p<0.05) increased childhood overweight and obesity risk. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of involving parents in the obesity intervention programs for children.

Overweight and Obesity Among Children: A Relationship Between Maternal Beliefs and Feeding Practices With Children’s Body Mass Index-for-Age in Bandar and Jugra Kuala Langat Selangor

@#Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the major public concerns as prevalence was showing an increasing trend in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the associations between maternal beliefs, attitudes and feeding practices with children’s Body Mass Index-for-age (BMI-for-age). Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bandar and Jugra, Kuala Langat, Selangor in two-phase. The first phase was conducted to determine the prevalence of children’s body weight status involving 209 pairs of mothers and children. The second phase of the study aims to determine the socio-demographic characteristics, maternal beliefs, maternal attitudes and feeding practices with childhood obesity involving 148 pairs of mothers and children whose BMI-for-age are normal, overweight and obese only. A set of self-administered questionnaire was answered by the mothers and anthropometric measurements of children were taken. Results: Overall, about 24.9% of the children were overweight and obese. Maternal employment status (X2 = 9.135, p<0.05), perceived child weight status (r=0.267, p<0.05) and food restriction (r=0.186, p<0.05) were positively correlated with children’s BMI-for-age. The pressure to eat (r= -0.177, p<0.05) was negatively associated with children’s BMI-for-age. From multiple linear regression, maternal employment status, perceived child weight status and pressure to eat was shown to be factors associated with children’s BMI-for-age. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings showed that maternal employment status, perceived on child weight status, restriction on food and pressure to eat were linked to children’s BMI-for-age. Therefore, mothers should be educated on appropriate feeding practices to help to maintain healthy BMI-for-age among younger children.