Nutritional status and feeding practices of children aged 0 to 36 months in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, it is estimated that only 44% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life while most children are introduced to solid, semi-solid or soft foods late or earlier than recommended. Poor breastfeeding practices, and complementary feeding accounts for nutrients deficiency, illness and infections in children that lead to malnutrition at an early age. Globally, malnutrition is accountable for one out of three deaths among children under five years (WHO, 2016). Aim: The study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and feeding practices of children aged 0 to 36 months at the Thulamela Municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. The target population was all mothers with children aged 0 to 36 months in the Vhembe district and the accessible population was mothers with children aged 0 to 36 months in the Thulamela Municipality. Simple random sampling was used to select three clinics per cluster to make a total of 18 clinics. A total number of 250 mothers and their children were selected using a convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements of children were assessed using standard procedure. Anthropometric measurements were calculated using WHO Anthro version 3.2.2. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: The study was carried out on 250 children aged 0 to 36 months and their mothers. The mean (± SD) age of children in months was 10.53 (8.39). The mean (± SD) age of mothers in years was 27.79 (±7.13SD). Most mothers (96%) initiated breastfeeding within one hour after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months was practised by only 7.6% of mothers. The majority (87.5%) were complementary feeding before the age of six months. The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 9.2%, 2% and 3.6% respectively. The prevalence of vitamin A among children was 21.7% (<10 μg/dl). The prevalence of anaemia (Hb <11 g/dL), and iron deficiency (serum ferritin < 12 μg/l) amongst children was 53.6% and 13.1% respectively. About 38.1% of children who received water before six months of age were more likely to be stunted as compared to those who received water at six months and above (19.9%) (p=0.001). Children who were still breastfeeding were more likely to have normal haemoglobin (73.5%) as v compared to those who were no longer breastfeed (61.5%) (p=0.45). Children who were given complementary foods one week after birth, the odds of being underweight were 9.00 times as compared to those who were given complementary foods after six months (OR=9.00; 95% CI=1.325 - 61.138). Children who were initiated on breastfeeding immediately after delivery, the odds of having low ferritin were 0.11 times as compared to those who were initiated breastfeeding a day after delivery (OR=0.111; 95% CI=0.015 - 0.812. Conclusion: Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months was rarely practiced since the majority of infants were introduced to complementary fluids or foods before the age of six months. The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting among children were of low concern since the majority of children had normal anthropometric status. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, anaemia and iron deficiency remains prevalent among children. Health professionals should promote the use of mass media and mom-connect as the platforms that may be utilised more optimally to disseminate information on infant and young child feeding practices to young mothers.