Assessment of Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Infant and Young Child in Rural Health Zones of South Kivu Province (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Abstract

Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are crucial to improving the health and nutritional status of children: a public health intervention to prevent child morbidity, mortality and malnutrition. The main purpose of this study was to assess the feeding practices and nutritional status of infant and young child (IYC) from 0 to 36 months of age in rural health zones of South Kivu province, as well as the coexistence between the children’s eating behavior and nutritional status. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March-May 2018 on 210 children. Data collection included socio-economic and demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and assessment of IYCF practices by using the 24-hour dietary recall. A total of 210 (121 females and 89 males) children were included in the study. Colostrum is most often given (77%). All children are breastfed; 92% are breastfed on demand. The median age of cessation of breastfeeding (BF) is 27.7 months. Only 20% of children are breastfed immediately after delivery. About 37% receive pre-milk fluids. Only 21% of those aged 0-3 months are exclusively breastfed. Only 30% of those aged 6-8 months receive complementary foods. The median age
of introduction of the first food is 9.5 months. About 30% of children never receive porridge. Majority of mothers gave children 3 types of food according to their classification, including starch and cereals, meat and alternatives, and fruits and vegetables with a total diversity score of 0.75 (¾). Porridges consumed are of low nutritional quality, 60% consisting only of a cereal and water. Among children who take a complementary food, the frequency is at least 3 times a day for 49% of children aged 6-8 months, 57% of those aged 9-11 months and 68% of those aged 12-17 months. Their MUACs were below 125 mm and the vast majority did not show edema and their weight-for-height ratio was less than minus to standard deviations. The rates of stunting, underweight and emaciation are 43%, 46% and 13% respectively (Zscore <-2σ). The late introduction of complementary foods and their insufficient quality (the daily ration, eating meat, consumption of milk and milk products and weight of the child) are statistically significant factors that affect the nutritional status of children (p<0.05). These results provide a base information for intervention programs. They call for further research on the influence of IYCF practices on nutritional status. Four recommendations are issued.