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Are infant feeding practices correlates of nutritional status of 6-23 months old babies in a rural community in Nigeria?

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Infant Feeding Practices (IFPs) and Nutritional Status (NS) of children between 6 - 23 months have been a matter of concern, and these were investigated in a rural community in Nigeria. Methods: Data were collected from 368 mothers with children 6-23 months. IFPs and anthropometry were investigated among the children. Wasting (WHZ), stunting (HAZ), and underweight (WAZ); Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF), Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF), and Mean Dietary Diversity (MDD) were determined. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, and significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Wasting was 22.9%, 28.3% stunted, and 17.1% underweight. Children without EBF were thrice more likely to be wasted (OR = 3.454, 95%CI = 1.667 - 7.156), twice more likely to be stunted and underweight (OR = 2.189, 95%CI = 0.975 - 4.918). Those with low MMF were thrice more likely to be wasted (OR = 3.451, 95%CI = 1.798 - 6.622) and twice more likely to be stunted (OR = 1.674, 95%CI = 0.868 - 3.227). Those with low MDD were thrice more likely to be stunted (OR = 3.295, 95%CI = 0.856 - 12.683) and underweight (OR = 3.295, 95%CI = 0.856 - 12.683). Caregivers with unskilled occupations, who earn lower income, are younger in age, with a lower education level are associated with a higher likelihood of having children with wasting, stunting and underweight. Conclusion: EBF, MMF, and MDD affected the NS of children 6-23 months in the study area.
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v25i4.24
Language: English
Field: Nursing
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417150942
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