Male Partner Involvement in Complementary Feeding Practices Among Households With Children Aged 6–24 Months in Abim District, Uganda

Abstract

Objectives General Objective: To determine the level of male partner involvement in complementary feeding practices and associated factors among households with children aged 6–24 months in Abim District so as to devise most effective strategies, approaches and interventions for encouraging male partner involvement with a view of improving adoption of optimal complementary feeding practices in children aged 6–24 months. Research Questions - What is the level of male partner involvement in complementary feeding practices among households with children aged 6–24 months? - What factors are associated with male partner involvement in complementary feeding practices among households with children aged 6–24 months? Methods A cross-sectional study involving both quantitative (382 mothers) and qualitative (2 FGDs and 2 KIIs) approaches was conducted. Data entry was done and checked for completeness and consistency using Epi Data 3.0. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to define the characteristics of study participants. At bivariate analysis, Pearson's chi square tests were used to establish the association between the dependent and each independent variable. At multivariate analysis, a binary logistic regression was executed to establish factors associated with male partner involvement in complementary feeding using odds ratios. Strength of association was determined at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). Results The level of male partner involvement in complementary feeding in this study was good (68%). It was associated with; tertiary education of mother (OR = 1.38, CI 95% = 0.01 to 0.08; p = 0.00), mothers in formal employment (OR = 1.03; CI 95% = 1.001 t0 3.05: p = 0.001), husbands in formal employment (OR = 1.75; CI 95%: 1.05 to 2.89; p = 0.021) and husbands aged between 25–29 years (OR = 3.73; CI 95% = 1.96 to 7.07; p = 0.002). Conclusions Male partner involvement in complementary feeding in Abim district is good. It is associated with; formal employment for mothers and their partners, mothers with tertiary education, and husbands aged between 25–29 years. The government needs to strengthen multi-sectoral integration to address the gender gaps and barriers that hinder male partner involvement in the broader infant and young child feeding practices. Funding Sources None.