Anthropometric Status and Child Feeding Practices of Children (6-24 Months) in Umuahia North Local Area, Abia State

¹Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University Nkpolu- Oroworukwo, P.M.B. 5080-Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

²Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: Oguizu AD, Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University Nkpolu- Oroworukwo, P.M.B. 5080-Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Tel: +2348038132055, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: November 23, 2024

Publication Date: January 03, 2025

Citation: Oguizu AD, et al. (2025). Anthropometric Status and Child Feeding Practices of Children (6-24 Months) in Umuahia North Local Area, Abia State. Nutraceutical Res. 4(1):10.

Copyright: Oguizu AD, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Inadequate child feeding practices among children aged 6-24 months are a significant contributor to malnutrition in developing nations. The well-being of a child is intricately linked to their feeding routines, which are greatly influenced by the knowledge and behaviors of the mother. The initial year of a child's life plays a pivotal role in ensuring proper growth and development. Suboptimal feeding practices during this critical period can have both immediate and enduring repercussions. This research evaluated the anthropometry and child feeding practices of children aged 6-24 months in Umuahia North LGA, Abia State. A multi-stage sampling approach was employed to select the study participants. Four wards and their respective health centers out of the total 12 wards and health facilities in the L.G.A were included. Breastfeeding mothers were randomly chosen as respondents in each health center, totaling 340 participants. Structured and validated questionnaires were utilized for data collection. The information gathered encompassed the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and infants, maternal nutritional knowledge, awareness of infant feeding practices, maternal breastfeeding habits, complementary feeding patterns, and the nutritional status of the children. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages. Statistical package for service solution (SPSS) version 22 was utilized for analysis. Anthropometric status of the children was obtained using WHO Anthro software. The findings of this study indicated that 44.1% of the respondents were cognizant that foods other than breast milk should be introduced at 6 months, while others believed this introduction should occur after 6 months. A majority of the respondents, 57.1%, were familiar with exclusive breastfeeding, with half, 50.1%, learning about it from healthcare professionals. The nutritional assessment revealed that about one third of the Children were stunted, wasted and underweight. Among females, 12.2% exhibited severe stunting, underweight, or wasting, compared to 8.8% of males. A positive and robust correlation was observed between the average nutritional knowledge of mothers and the nutritional status of the children. Recommendations include raising awareness about exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding through television, radio, and other mass media channels.