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

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.