High prevalence of suboptimal child-feeding practices and child morbidity among families from low socio economic areas in Harare

Abstract

Introduction: Recommended child-feeding practices such as exclusive breastfeeding for six months, prolonged breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding have been proven to reduce prevalence of malnutrition. Declining socioeconomic environment may be putting children from urban poor families at risk of malnutrition due to poor feeding practices and increased risk of morbidity. Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess child feeding practices and morbidity prevalence among Harare urban families living in low socieconomic districts. Methods: A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted in Harare in five clinics serving low socio economic communities from July to August 2012. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing WHO indicators for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) was used to interview primary caregivers on child-feeding practices. Secondary outcomes assessed was prevalence of diarrhea, influenza, malaria, measles, fever, and cough . Data were analysed using vSPSS-21 statistical software. Results: A total of 218 infant and caregiver pairs attending growth monitoring at the clinics were enrolled in the study. Seventy-five percent of the children were below two years of age. There was a high prevalence of early introduction of complementary foods (81.4% before 6 months of age). About half (49.2%) of the infants had 4 or more meals per day. A significant proportion (74.4%) had been weaned onto family meals. Fifty-three (24%) of the children had been sick with diarrhea, 59% influenza , 1% malaria , 1% measles, 23% fever and 53% with a cough during the 1 month recall period. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of inadequate infant feeding practices and morbidity in low resource communities in Harare. There is need to design child-feeding interventions for the urban community targeting all family members involved in decision-making.