dc.contributor.author | Ndolo, Lucia M | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2013-05-08T11:09:35Z | |
dc.date.available | 2013-05-08T11:09:35Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2008-09 | |
dc.identifier.citation | Ndolo, L. M(Factors associated with introduction of complementary feeding of infants below six months, in Machakos District, Kenya | en |
dc.identifier.uri | http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/20283 | |
dc.description | Msc-Thesis | en |
dc.description.abstract | Breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices are crucial for optimal growth and
development during infancy. Optimal feeding practice in the first year of life is crucial for the
survival and health of infants, and has long-term consequences in later life. However, non-optimal
feeding practices exist widely in Machakos. The present study therefore aimed at finding out
factors associated with early introduction of complementary feeding for the life of infants in
Machakos district, Kenya.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Machakos district between August and September, 2006.
One hundred seventy four mothers who were residents of Machakos district. with infants aged 0-6
months were randomly chosen from Machakos General Hospital.. A structured questionnaire was
used to collect data regarding the feeding practices and factors related to early introduction of
complementary feeding. Anthropometric measurement consisting of weight and height were taken
from mothers and their infants. Data entry, cleaning and analysis was done using SPSS version
12.01 and EPr-NUT version 6 software packages.
The results of the analysis indicated that the prevalence of underweight among infants in the
district was 4%, of which 1.1% were male infants and 7.4% female infants .. Among determinants
investigated in this study, age of the mother, marital status of the mother and knowledge gained at
the MCH clinic were factor found to be significantly associated with introduction of
complementary feeding. The study established that higher proportion of younger mothers
introduced complementary feeding early compared with the older mothers (p<0.05). It was also
noticed that a bigger percentage of single mothers introduced complementary foods early (p<0.05)
compared to the married mothers. The major contributory factors however were experience and
knowledge the older and married mothers had gained over time. The study also revealed that the
teaching at the MCH clinic touching on breastfeeding and age of introduction of complementary
feeding were significantly associated with the early introduction of complementary feeding
(p<O.05). Although not significant, data showed that more businesswomen tended to introduce
complementary feeding early. The results of the case studies indicated that regardless of the
mothers occupation or workload, they all introduced complementary feeding early. Housewives
however, introduced complementary feeding both early and at 4-6 months. Slightly high
proportion of mothers started introducing complementary feeding at the recommended age when
they got information from the MCH clinic. This shows the relevance of intensified training at the
MCH clinic.
The main reasons given by the mothers for introducing complementary feeding early were not
having enough milk, job employment and reduction of colic pains. It was proposed that further
research needed to be done on the colic pains and the "insufficient milk syndrome"
In conclusion, the study revealed that there was a significant association between age of
introduction of complementary feeding and 'the content of lesson learnt at MCH clinic. Therefore.
training of mothers at the MCH clinic should be intensified .. Additional time in between the day
for training of more mothers at MCH clinic on these optimal infant feeding lessons is highly
recommended. | en |
dc.description.sponsorship | University of Nairobi | en |
dc.language.iso | en | en |
dc.subject | Complementary feeding | en |
dc.subject | Infants | en |
dc.subject | Machakos District | en |
dc.subject | Kenya | en |
dc.title | Factors associated with introduction of complementary feeding of infants below six months, in Machakos District, Kenya | en |
dc.type | Thesis | en |
local.publisher | Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi | en |