Comparative study: Egyptian and Omani mothers' practices related to infant feeding

ABSTRACT

This study aims to find out maternal practices related to infant feeding during the first year of life in Egypt and Oman. Two hundred mothers with their healthy infants frequenting the out patient clinic in MCH center in Shebin El-Kom and the static clinic in Sohar for regular check up, 100 mothers and infants from each setting, constituted the sample. Each mother was interviewed individually using the developed interview schedule to collect biosocial data about infants and their families and the dietary history of each infant. Infants were weighed according to the standard procedures. Significant differences were found between the 2 groups in relation to feeding pattern. In Oman, 69% of mothers breast fed their infants, 23% gave mixed feeding and 8% gave artificial feeding. In Egypt, 79% gave either breast feeding alone [34%] or gave weaning food in addition to breast feeding [45%], while 14% gave mixed feeding and 7% gave artificial feeding. Significant differences were found in relation to mothers' knowledge and practices related to initiation of breast feeding, night feeding, time of starting weaning and weaning foods. Egyptian mothers tend to give more cereals and cow's milk than Omani mothers with significant difference. Omani mothers tend to give more vegetables, fruits and eggs than Egyptian mothers. It is recommended to utilize lactation counselors and to organize continuing education programs for mothers regarding successful lactation management