Feeding practices of children within institution‐based care

A retrospective analysis of surveillance data

Bibliographic Data

ID15537101
AuthorsEmily DeLacey (0000-0003-2286-6430, University of London, corresponding author), Elizabeth Allen (0000-0002-2689-6939, University of London), Cally J Tann (0000-0003-0131-4952, University of London), Nora Groce (0000-0002-7885-7042, London International Development Centre), Evan Hilberg (0000-0003-2534-5411, Oregon Department of Human Services), Michael Quiring (0000-0003-0633-2877, Oregon Department of Human Services), Tracy Kaplan (0000-0002-6600-6814, Oregon Department of Human Services), Tiffany Smythe (0000-0003-3408-7362, University of London), Erin Kaui (0000-0002-5409-2954, Oregon Department of Human Services), Rachael Catt (Oregon Department of Human Services), Raeanne Miller (0000-0001-8541-8868, Oregon Department of Human Services), Maijargal Gombo (0000-0002-7826-5346, Oregon Department of Human Services), Hai Son Dam (0000-0002-5463-8419, Oregon Department of Human Services), Marko Kerac (0000-0002-3745-7317, University of London)
Year2022
Volume18
Issue3
Pagese13352-e13352
Publication date2022-03-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.13352
PMID35318809
OpenAlexW4220705944
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited29

There is limited information on the feeding practices of 9.42 million children living within institution-based care (IBC) worldwide. Poor feeding practices can predispose or exacerbate malnutrition, illness and disability. Here we describe the feeding practices of children living within IBC based on a retrospective analysis of records from 3335 children, 0-18 years old, participating in Holt International's Child Nutrition Program (CNP), from 36 sites in six countries. Data analysed included demographic information on age, sex, feeding practices, disabilities and feeding difficulties. Descriptive statistics were produced. A generalised linear model explored associations between feeding difficulties and disability and 2 × 2 tables examined feeding difficulties over time. An additional set of feeding observations with qualitative and quantitative data was analysed. At baseline, the median age of children was 16 months (0.66-68 months) with 1650/3335 (49.5%) females. There were 757/3335 (22.7%) children with disabilities; 550/984 (55.9%) were low birth weight; 311/784 (39.7%) were premature; 447/3113 (14.4%) had low body mass index and 378/3335 (11.3%) had feeding difficulties. The adjusted risk of having a feeding difficulty was 5.08 ([95% confidence interval: 2.65-9.7], p ≤ 0.001) times greater in children with disabilities than those without. Many children saw their feeding difficulties resolve after 1-year in CNP, 54/163 (33.1%) for children with disabilities and 57/106 (53.8%) for those without disabilities. Suboptimal hygiene, dietary and feeding practices were reported. In conclusion, feeding difficulties were common in IBC, especially among children with disabilities. Supporting safe interactive mealtimes for children living within IBC should be prioritised, to ensure overall health and development

Environmental health · Family medicine · Institution · Retrospective cohort study · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Medicine · Surgery