Abstract:

Background: Nutritional deficiencies are major problem among developing countries such as Tanzania. They can occur in all age groups, but the impact is more severe among children age 6-23 months as this period is critical for child development, and irreversible damage can occur due to consequences of nutritional deficiencies. Proper infant and young child feeding practices are pivotal to tackle nutritional problems and to prevent irreversible consequences among children. This study aimed to assess the infant and young childhood nutritional status and feeding practices among under five children in Ukerewe district in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: This was a community based cross sectional study carried from February to March 2019. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to recruit 295 participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0 software as per objectives.

Results: The study revealed underweight to be common over wasting and stunting in under-five children with the prevalence of 12.9%, 7.2% and 5.8% respectively. Moreover, 96.9% reported to breastfeed their child soon after delivery however, 82.4% under-five children weaned after six months. Under-five children (80.3%) eat some food as the other family member with a frequency of more than three times per day (50.9%). Cow (88.9%) was used as a complement of breast milk.

Conclusion: A high proportional of mothers reported to breastfeed their child soon after delivery. Underweight was slightly higher over wasting and stunting. Nutrition education and intervention focusing on access to child growth is recommended.