Complementary feeding practices and growth status of children aged 6-23 months in Soweto

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the associations between caregiver Complementary Feeding practices and the growth status of their children aged 6-23 months. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with analytical components. Setting: The study was undertaken at Chiawelo Community Health Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg. Subjects: A total of 168 primary caregiver-child pairs attending well-baby visits were included in the study. Outcome measures: Anthropometric measures of the children were taken. Information regarding the characteristics of the sample and information, about the complementary feeding practices of the caregiver were also collected. Results: The study found a Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF) of 91%, a Minimum Dietary Diversity with seven food groups (MDD-7) and a Minimum Dietary Diversity with eight food groups (MDD-8) of 56% and 48% respectively; and a Minimum Acceptable Diet with seven food groups (MAD-7) and Minimal Acceptable Diet with eight food groups (MAD-8) of 54% and 42% respectively. The growth status of the study sample was 13% wasted when considering the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and Weight-for-length Z-score (WLZ) together; 3% underweight; 11.3% stunted; 17% overweight and 3% obese. The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) indicators were not significantly associated with the growth outcomes of this study sample of children. Conclusions: The findings highlight the lack of diversity in the diets of young children in this study setting and mirrors the rest of South Africa with their low breastfeeding rates and early cessation of breastfeeding. The high prevalence of overweight children in this study is particularly concerning, and highlights a need for intervention. The intake of unhealthy foods needs to be closely monitored and assessed in future studies for associations with growth outcomes. Although the IYCF indicators had no significant associations with the growth outcomes in this study, they remain valuable as a broad evaluation of a child’s diet and to establish trends within a community.