Background There is strong evidence that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of life reduces the risk of diseases in infancy and in later life. Objective To understand the maternal reasoning that influences optimum infant feeding practices of caregivers in semirural communities of Limpopo province. Methods Nested qualitative study among mothers in an ongoing birth cohort study was conducted; structured and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data from 234 infants after 6 months of follow-up was included for quantitative analysis. Four focus discussion groups comprising 7 to 10 caregivers were used to obtain perception of mothers on breastfeeding. A semi-structured interview guide was used to stimulate discussions. Thematic content analyses were conducted to identify the main themes that influence breastfeeding practices of caregivers. Results Over 90% of the caregivers initiated breastfeeding after delivery. However, less than 1% of mothers practiced EBF by 3 months, and none of the children were exclusively breastfed for up to 6 months. All caregivers introduced non–breast milk liquids and solids by the second month of child’s life. Common reasons for introducing non–breast milk foods included insufficiency of breast milk production, going back to work or school, and influence by elderly women (mothers/mothers-in-law) and church members. Conclusion Exclusive breastfeeding was not practiced in this community due to cultural and religious beliefs and misinformation. The involvement of elderly women and church members in infant feeding education and promotion programs and the dissemination of breastfeeding information through mobile phones to younger mothers are recommended.

The increased prevalence of obesity is due to a decreased level of physical activity and increased intake of fast food. Furthermore, obesity among children and adolescent is a risk factor for life-threatening conditions including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Cardio-metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer and reproductive disorders. The aim of this study is to describe the determinants of obesity. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 377 adolescents aged 13 to 20 years from 16 secondary schools in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District Limpopo Province, South Africa. Information about socio-demographic characteristics, household income, disease family history, and level of education of parents was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height and waist circumference were taken by trained field workers and body mass index (BMI), and the waist-hip ratio were determined. Biochemical measurements and clinical assessment were done by a professional nurse following standard procedures. The prevalence of obesity is 22.2% in males and 32.6% in females by abdominal obesity by (waist circumference), whilst 11.1% (males) and 28.3% (females) by waist to hip ratio (WHR). Gender (β=0.32, p=0.018, 95%CI); age (β=1.28, p=0.015, 95%CI); source of income (β=3.25, p=0.008, 95%CI) and systolic blood pressure (β=1.04, p=0.01, 95%CI) were associated with obesity. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent in females than in males in Thulamela municipality. There is a need to bring up children and adolescents in a health-promoting environment in an effort to reverse and stop the increasing trend of overweight and obesity.