Complementary Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers of Children 6-23 Months of Age in Dejene District, Northwest, Ethiopia 2015

Abstract

Infant and child feeding practices are the major determinants of nutritional status. The period of complementary feeding is the time of peak incidence of growth faltering, micronutrient deficiencies and infectious illnesses. The aim this study was to assess timely initiation complementary feeding and associated factors of mothers of children 6-23 months of age in Dejen District, Northwest Ethiopia 2015. practice and its associated factors among mothers with children aged 6−23 months in Lasta District, Northeast Ethiopia, 2015. Methods . A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 476 mothers who had children aged 6–23 months in the study area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the required sample. A face-to-face interview was done to collect data using structured questionnaire. Data were entered with EPI info version 3.5.1 and cleaning and analysis were done using SPSS version 16. Frequencies distribution and binary and multiple logistic regressions were done. Results . In this study only 56.5% of children aged 6–23 months received appropriate complementary feeding, considering timely introduction, minimum dietary diversity, and meal frequency. Exposure to public media [AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.44,4.35 ], occupation of mother [AOR = 9.50; 95% CI: 1.02,14.25 ], mothers decision making role on how to use family income [AOR = 5.54; 95% CI: 1.19,11.74 ], and use of postnatal care service [AOR = 5.98; 95% CI: 1.49,13.96 ] were found to be independent predictors of complementary feeding practice. Conclusion and Recommendation . About 43.5% of mothers were not feeding their children complementary food appropriately, which would have negative implication on the health of infants and young children. There was a statistically significant association of inappropriate complementary feeding practices with mothers’ occupation, postnatal care service, media exposure, and mothers’ decision making role on how the money is used. Health professionals should focus on advising and counseling mothers on appropriate complementary feeding during prenatal, delivery, postnatal, and immunization services.