High Prevalence of Suboptimal Child-Feeding Practices and Child Morbidity among Families from Low Socio-Economic Urban Areas in Harare

• 作者: Dexter T.Chagwena Evidence Matangi Loveness K.Nyanga Nyanga G.T.Mushonga Prosper Chopera Stella Nyagura
• 来源期刊: 健康科学:英文版
• 学科: 医学
• 关键词: Exclusive breastfeeding complementary feeding child-feeding practices MORBIDITY Zimbabwe.
• 年，卷（期）: 2020,（3）
• 页码范围: 75-82
• 页数: 8页
• 分类号: R57

摘要

Introduction:Optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding have been proven to reduce malnutrition.Declining socio-economic environment is associated with poor feeding practices,high morbidity,and risk of malnutrition among children from urban poor families.Objective:The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess child-feeding practices and morbidity prevalence among Harare urban-families living in low socio-economic areas.Methods:A health-facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in five clinics of Harare serving low socio-economic communities between July and August 2014.A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing child-feeding practices was used to interview primary caregivers.Prevalence of diarrhea,influenza,malaria,measles,fever,and cough was assessed.Data were analysed using SPSS v21.Results:A total of 218 mother-child pairs attending growth monitoring were enrolled in the study:Seventy-five percent of the children were below two years;early introduction of solid foods(before six months)was observed in 81.4%of the children.Forty-nine percent of young children were fed at least four meals per day and 74%had been weaned onto family meals;Twenty-four percent of the children had diarrhea,59%influenza,1%malaria,1%measles,23%fever and 53%cough in the month preceding the survey.Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of suboptimal feeding practices and morbidity in low socio-economic urban communities of Harare.There is need to design child-feeding interventions for the urban community targeting all family members involved in decision-making.