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This Article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Berhanu, G. Articles by Hambidge, M. PubMed Articles by Berhanu, G. Articles by Hambidge, M.

Complementary feeding: Patterns and practices in Sidama, Southern Ethiopia

¹ Nutritional Sciences
² Human Development and Family Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
³ College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, Awassa, Ethiopia
⁴ Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO

ABSTRACT

Complementary feeding is important for healthy growth of infants after 6 months of age. The purpose of the study was to understand the pattern of complementary feeding in the Sidama region of southern Ethiopia. We surveyed mothers about breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices and beliefs, and maternal characteristics. Weight and length of infants were taken and converted to z-scores using WHO software, and hemoglobin was assessed by HemoCue®. Of the 96 infants (age: 9.45 ± .50 months), 18% had a length for age z-score <–3 and 22% had a length z-score between –3 and –2. Males were more likely to be malnourished than females (p=.009). Iron supplements after birth were reported by 82%. All the infants were currently breastfed and 91% of males and 86% of females had received solid foods within the last 24 hours; twice on average. The most commonly fed items were water (82%); corn bread (65%) and animal milk (28%). Less than 2% of infants were given yellow or green vegetables, beans, root vegetables or cheese. None were given meat, eggs, fruit juice or oil. Most mothers (>90%) did not think kocho or meat were appropriate foods for 9 month old infants. It is important to utilize local complementary feeding patterns and beliefs when designing interventions to address infant malnutrition. Supported by NIH Grant R21 TW06729 (Fogarty International Center and the Office of Dietary Supplements).

This Article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Berhanu, G. Articles by Hambidge, M. PubMed Articles by Berhanu, G. Articles by Hambidge, M.