Complementary feeding implementation in Pintu Padang Health Centre, South Tapanuli District, Indonesia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional status is very closely related to the complementary feeding (CF) given to infants. Inappropriate CF practice is still commonly found in Indonesia. Objectives: To examine the practice of CF in the area of Pintu Padang Health Centre in South Tapanuli District, Indonesia. Method: This is a qualitative study with a focus group discussion (FGD) approach. Purposive sampling was used to collect 20 respondents from amongst community leaders, district level health officers (nutritionists), health centre officers, midwives and Posyandu (integrated service post) cadres. The FGD was guided by a moderator and recorded using a tape recorder. The results of the FGD recording were transformed by verbatim analysis and turned into sub themes and themes. Results: Two themes were defined after analysing the information on CF implementation, which are early CF and inadequate nutritional intake. Early CF was based on four sub themes, namely ‘pre-lacteal feeding’, ‘not understanding the readiness of children to be fed by CF’, ‘lack of support system’ and ‘lack of knowledge’. Inadequate nutritional intake occurred because CF implementation was not provided to babies based on the principle of balanced nutrition and was processed improperly. Conclusions: Practice of CF in the area of Pintu Padang Health Centre in South Tapanuli is still inappropriate considering what WHO recommends.