Mixed feeding among infants aged 0-6 months in an urban setting of Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine the age at which infants were introduced to mixed feeding, types of mixed foods given to infants and the nutrient content of these foods. This was a cross sectional study carried out in Huruma and West clinics in the urban setting of Eldoret, where 384 mother infant pairs visiting the clinics were studied. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the mothers. A 24-hour recall method was used to collect information on infant feeding. The informed consent of the participant was sought before the study commenced. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist version 12.0. Food composition tables were used to determine the nutrient content of each food the infant consumed. Means for various nutrients were worked out for each age and compared to the Recommended Daily Allowance for the same age. The median and mean ages for introducing mixed feeding were 2.4 and 2 months, respectively. Majority (71.5%) of the infants was introduced to mixed feeding between the ages of 0-2 months, 25.7% and 2.8% were introduced at the age of 3-4 months and 5-6 months, respectively. Infants were fed on water based liquid (4%), milk (7%) and semi solid foods (89%). The mean energy intakes (278, 530) at 2 and 6 months were 52.5 and 80%, respectively. The mean protein intakes (9.5, 13.4) were 76 and 105% at 0-2 months and 5-6 months, respectively. At 2 and 6 months consumption of vitamin A was 11 and 43%. Iron consumption was 66% at 6 months and all these were inadequate for the infants. Calcium intakes at 0-2, 3-4 and 5-6 months were 44, 87 and 96.8%. Introduction of foods before the age of 6 months was high, there is need for intensify education on infant feeding practices in the clinics and community.