Complementary Feeding Knowledge, Practices, and Dietary Diversity among Mothers of Under-Five Children in an Urban Community in Lagos State, Nigeria

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Date
2017
Authors
Olatona, F.A
Adenihun, J.O
Aderibigbe, S.A
Adeniyi, O.F
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inappropriate complementary feeding is a major cause of child malnutrition and death. This study determined the complementary feeding knowledge, practices, minimum dietary diversity, and acceptable diet among mothers of under-five children in an urban Local Government Area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Eti-Osa area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 355 mothers and infants. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire and 24-hour diet recall was used to assess dietary diversity. Data was analyzed using Epi-Info. RESULTS: Knowledge of complementary feeding was low (14.9%) and was associated with older mothers' age, being married, and higher level of education. The prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding (47.9%), dietary diversity (16.0%) and minimum acceptable diet for children between 6 and 9 months (16%) were low. Overall, appropriate complementary feeding practice was low (47.0%) and associated with higher level of mothers' education and occupation. CONCLUSIONS AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: Complementary feeding knowledge and practices were poor among mothers of under-5 especially the non-literate. Reduction of child malnutrition through appropriate complementary feeding remains an important global health goal. Complementary feeding education targeting behavioral change especially among young, single and uneducated mothers in developing countries is important to reduce child morbidity and mortality.
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Staff publications
Keywords
Complementary Feeding , Infant Feeding , Mothers of underfive children , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE
Citation
Olatona FA, Adenihun JO, Aderibigbe SA, Adeniyi OF. Complementary Feeding Knowledge, Practices, and Dietary Diversity among Mothers of Under-Five Children in an Urban Community in Lagos State, Nigeria. Int J MCH AIDS. 2017;6(1):46-59. PMID: 28798893