TY  - BOOK
AU  -    Munisi, Evance. W 
AU  -  Basinda, Namanya
TI  - Breast Feeding and Complementary Feeding Practices Among Women of Reproductive Age at Ukerewe District Mwanza
PY  - 2018///
CY  - Mwanza, Tanzania: 
PB  - Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS – Bugando] :   
KW  -  
N2  - Abstract:

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended exclusive breastfeeding during first six month of life for optimal growth, development and health. Breastfeeding should continue up to two years or more and nutritionally adequate, safe and appropriately-fed complementary foods should be introduced at the age of six month to meet the evolving needs of the growing infant. Little evidence exists on breastfeeding and infant feeding practices in Ukerewe district. My aim was to assess breastfeeding and infant feeding practices in Ukerewe with reference to WHO recommendations. 

Methods: Data from a cross sectional study conducted in Ukerewe are used. The study used information on the first year of life of 138 children born between September 2018. All women who gave birth during this period were interviewed on breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices at recruitment and this information was updated twice, at four-monthly intervals. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine factors associated with cessation of breastfeeding in infancy and early introduction of complementary foods. 

Results: There was universal breastfeeding with almost all children (99%) having ever been breastfed. However, more than a (37%) were not breastfed in the first hour following delivery, and 40% were given something to drink other than the mothers’ breast milk within 3 days after delivery, about 85% of infants were still breastfeeding by the end of the 11th month. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six month was rare care as only 2% of infants were exclusively breastfeeding for six months. Factors associated with sub-optimal infant breastfeeding and feeding practices in these include child’s sex; perceived size  at birth; mothers’ marital status, ethnicity; education level; family (pregnancy desirability); health seeking behavior (place of delivery) and; neighborhood.

Conclusion: The study indicates poor adherence to WHO recommendations for breastfeeding and infant feeding practices. Interventions and further research should pay attention to factors such as cultural practices, access to and utilization of health care facilities, child feeding education, and family planning.

ER  -