Feeding practices and factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods to children aged 6–23 months in Matam area, Senegal

Bibliographic Data

ID15096858
AuthorsKossi Akpaki (0000-0002-1322-7023, Université Laval, corresponding author), Isabelle Galibois (Université Laval), Sonia Blaney (0000-0003-1958-8783, Université de Moncton)
Year2021
Volume24
Issue14
Pages4442-4453
Publication date2021-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1368980021002718
PMID34284842
OpenAlexW3175970406
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited31

Objective: The objectives of this study were to document feeding practices amongst rural Senegalese children aged 6 to 23 months and to investigate psychosocial and environmental factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods (IRF). Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2018. Setting: The study took place in the region of Matam, northern Senegal. Participants: Ninety-eight mothers of children aged 6–23 months. Results: Results show that 27·6 % of children were fed according to the minimum acceptable diet, and 55·1 % and 53·1 % had the minimum diet diversity and minimum meal frequency, respectively. About 65·3 % of mothers provided IRF to young children the day before the survey, mostly fish. Mother’s intention to provide IRF to their children was not associated with the provision of these foods neither was the perceived behavioural control. Child’s age (OR = 1·14, 95 % CI (1·03, 1·26), P = 0·012) and household food insecurity score (OR = 0·80, 95 % CI (0·68, 0·96), P = 0·014) were the predictors of the provision of IRF to children aged 6–23 months. Conclusions: Household food insecurity status and age of the child rather than mothers’ psychosocial factors were significant predictors of IRF consumption amongst children aged 6–23 months in the study area. More attention should be given to food environment and child-related factors in order to improve children feeding practices and, in particular, their consumption of IRF in the study setting. For instance, home visits and the 5-month-old vaccine consultation in health centres might be opportunities to reinforce the importance of providing IRF as part of complementary foods from the age of 6 months. Implementation of measures for the improvement of socio-economic conditions and food security of households would also be valuable

Anemia · Biology · Environmental health · Geography · Iron deficiency · Iron status · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Iron Metabolism and Disorders · Medicine · Food Science · Gerontology · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics

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