Variations in the feeding practices and moderate acute malnutrition of infants weaned at 3-6 months and 6-9 months in Kitwe District, Zambia

Margaret  Pansho; Jason Mwanza

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.1.66

Autores

Margaret Pansho
panshomargaret@gmail.com
The University of Zambia, Zambia
Jason Mwanza The University of Zambia, Zambia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5976-8821

Palavras-chave:

Complementary Feeding, Cultural Norms, Infant Feeding Practices, Moderate Acute Malnutrition, Weaning, Zambia

Resumo

A major cause of newborn morbidity and long-term health issues is moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), especially when a baby transitions from exclusive breastfeeding to supplemental feeding. Maternal perceptions of newborn hunger and breast milk sufficiency, along with cultural norms, greatly influence infant feeding practices in many areas, including Kitwe District, Zambia. These dynamics align with the UNICEF Conceptual Framework of Malnutrition, which explains malnutrition as resulting from interconnected basic, underlying, and immediate causes. This study investigated the relationship between the frequency of MAM in Kitwe District among infants aged three to nine months, the timing of weaning, and infant feeding practices. A total of 751 infants were enrolled at three months of age using an observational longitudinal design. Follow-up evaluations at 6 and 9 months included 630 and 600 infants, respectively. Anthropometric measurements evaluated nutritional status, whereas standardized questionnaires collected data on eating behaviors and weaning status. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the associations among eating habits, weaning timing, and MAM prevalence. The results showed that cultural attitudes strongly influenced feeding behaviors, including early water introduction, the use of low-nutrient supplementary foods, and reliance on maize porridge. Based on the UNICEF framework, these behaviors reflect core cultural influences and caregiving issues that lead to insufficient food intake, a direct cause of malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding provided partial protection against MAM; however, infants who were weaned later without access to nutritionally adequate supplemental foods were at higher risk. The risk of MAM remained significant despite a 9-month increase in dietary diversity, highlighting the importance of food quality, preparation, feeding frequency, and weaning timing. The prevalence of MAM varied significantly between the weaning groups (p < 0.001). The study concludes that MAM among neonates in Kitwe District results from the interaction of immediate dietary deficiencies, underlying feeding practices, and broader cultural factors, as outlined in the UNICEF framework. To promote healthy infant growth and long-term child health, interventions to reduce MAM must be tailored to the specific context and culturally appropriate, emphasizing improvements in the quality and adequacy of supplemental feeding while encouraging optimal nursing behaviors.

Dimensions

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