The Influence of Feeding Practices on Nutritional Status of Children (0-23 Months) in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District of Ghana
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Date
2008-07-13
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Abstract
Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is fundamental to the
development of each child’s full human potential.
This study aimed at determining the feeding practices in relation to nutritional status of
children under two years in the Bibiani Anhwiaso - Bekwai District of Ghana. A cross
sectional study was conducted on 369 pairs of children and mothers which were
randomly selected in 2008. The nutritional status of the children was assessed using
anthropometric measures such as Weight-for-Age (underweight), Height-for-Weight
(wasting) and Height-for-Age (stunting). The breastfeeding and complementary
practices of the mothers were examined. The relationship of these feeding practiced
provided by mothers and the nutritional statuses of the children were analyzed using chisquare.
It was revealed that 18.3% of the children were underweight, 17.0% were stunted and
6.0% were wasted. Close to 60% of the children (57.8%) were introduced late to the
breast. Only 8.1% of the children less than 6 months were receiving exclusive
breastfeeding. All the three indices of malnutrition were positively associated with the
early introduction of complementary foods. About, 60.0% of children under 6 months
were receiving bottle feeding. The children who were not being given fruits were 1.5
fold increased in risk of underweight.
The feeding practices of most mothers were not as recommended by WHO. There is the
need for the promotion of proper infant feeding practices in the Bibiani Anhwaiso
district through Health Education.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in
Partial Fulfilment for the requirements for the award of
Masters of Public Health (Mph) Degree In Health Education
and Promotion
Master of Science
in Health Education and Promotion
November, 2008