Evaluation of Feeding Practices in Children Aged 6-23 Months in Southern Benin Rural Setting
Charles Jérome Sossa *
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Flora F. T. Laleye
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Victoire D. Agueh
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Justine Guedégbé
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Colette Azandjemè
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Badirou Aguemon
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Edgard-Marius Dona Ouendo
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Laurent T. Ouédraogo
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Michel Makoutodé
Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To assess feeding practices in children aged 6 to 23 months living in rural setting in southern Benin.
Study Design: Population based cross-sectional and evaluative study.
Place and Duration of Study: Southern Benin, from 1st April to 27th June, 2014.
Methodology: Two hundred and fourty children (49.16% girls) aged 6-23 months were randomly selected by cluster sampling technique. Data on breastfeeding and, complementary feeding, food safety and socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a questionnaire. Feeding practices in children were assessed through World Health Organization indicators using predefined scores.
Results: The median age of the children was 13 months and 61.65% children aged 12-23 months. Breastfeeding (82.08%), complementary feeding (37.08%) and food safety (15.94%) were adequate among the children. The overall quality of feeding practices was inadequate among children (73.90%) aged 6-23 months.
Conclusion: Feeding practices was inadequate in children aged 6 to 23 months in southern Benin rural setting. Nutrition education interventions in mothers are needed to improve feeding practices in children aged 6 to 23 months living in southern Benin rural areas.
Keywords: Evaluation, breast feeding, complementary feeding, food safety, child.