Association of maternal characteristics with child feeding indicators and nutritional status of children under-two years in Rural Ghana

Abstract

Background Optimal nutrition during the first two years of a child’s life is critical for the reduction of morbidity and mortality. In Ghana, majority of children miss out on optimal nutrition and only few (13%) of children receive a Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). Several studies have investigated the influence of community-level factors on infants and young children feeding (IYCF) practices. However, little is known about the influence of maternal factors on IYCF practices in rural settings. Therefore, this study assessed the influence of maternal factors on the feeding indicators and nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months in two administrative districts in Ghana. Methods Data were collected among 935 mothers who had children aged 6–23 months and accessed 21 Child Welfare Clinics within the study area. The study involved a face- to-face interview using structured questionnaires to capture maternal characteristics, dietary intake and anthropometric measurements of children. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the association between maternal factors and child nutrition outcomes (MAD, dietary diversity score (DDS) and anthropometric indicators) using Stata 16.0 software. Results Being employed (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.71—5.49, p < 0.001) and attaining secondary or higher education (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.42—5.78, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of children receiving MAD. Similarly, having an average decision-making autonomy increased the child’s odds of receiving MAD (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.02—2.76, p = 0.040). Children of mothers who attained secondary or a higher level of education (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36 -0.97, p = 0.040) and those whose mothers were employed (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.47—1.07, p = 0.043) were associated with a reduced risk of underweight and stunting respectively. Children of mothers with average financial independence status were more likely to receive diversified meals (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01–2.38, p = 0.045). Conclusions High educational level and being employed have positive influence on MAD, stunting and underweight of children. High decision-making power and average financial independence of mothers are good predictors of children receiving MAD. Family planning, women empowerment in decision-making, providing employment opportunities for mothers and promoting girl-child education are recommended.

Maternal and household factors affecting the dietary diversity of preschool children in eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

“…In this study, children whose mothers used family planning methods were approximately twice as likely to have diversified foods than their counterparts. This could be associated with such economically helpful factors as wider birth spaces, stable employment, better postnatal health, and providing women with more decision-making power, time and energy to prepare foods from diversified groups 73–76. Conversely, larger family size was typically associated with decreased childcare and LDD 77.…”

“…This could be associated with such economically helpful factors as wider birth spaces, stable employment, better postnatal health, and providing women with more decisionmaking power, time and energy to prepare foods from diversified groups. [73][74][75][76] Conversely, larger family size was typically associated with decreased childcare and LDD. 77 However, only approximately 15% of the mothers used any form of family planning methods in the current study.…”

Spatial distribution of inadequate meal frequency and its associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: Multilevel and spatial analysis

“…Based on previous studies done in different settings, factors were identified to be significantly associated with minimum meal frequency and IYCF practices. These include: age of child [ 5 , 6 , 19 – 24 ], sex of the child [ 24 ], sex of household head [ 16 , 25 ], media exposure [ 6 , 26 ], maternal working status [ 16 ], maternal decision making power on household activities [ 6 ], timely initiation of breastfeeding [ 27 ], current breastfeeding status [ 27 ], parity [ 5 , 6 ], postnatal visit [ 6 , 20 , 23 , 24 ], household wealth index [ 20 , 22 , 23 , 28 ], maternal age [ 2 ], maternal education [ 2 , 19 , 21 , 29 ], place of delivery [ 30 ], number of antenatal care (ANC) visits [ 22 ], place of residence [ 19 , 23 ], and region [ 2 , 20 ] were found associated with minimum meal frequency.…”

Family Roles and Support in Preventing Stunting: A Systematic Review

“…6 Stunting can be detrimental to children under five as it causes low intelligence, decreased endurance, and inhibited growth and development. 7 This will result in an increased risk of infections and non-communicable diseases in adulthood, as well as reduced productivity and economy. Reducing stunting is the first goal of the 2025 global nutrition targets and a key indicator of the sustainable development goals.…”