Adherence to age-appropriate feeding practices among Filipino children under two: An analysis of the 2018- 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0037
- Author:
Eva Abille Goyena
1
;
Ma. Lynell Valdeabella Maniego
1
Author Information
1. Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
childhood growth, feeding practices, nutritional status, stunting, wasting
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2022;28(No.3):423-439
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Age-appropriate feeding in the first two years of life is essential to a
child’s growth and development, with health implications that persist throughout
life. This study examined the adherence to age-appropriate feeding practices among
children 0-23.9 months old based on a constructed index, its association with
anthropometric growth, and factors affecting adherence. Methods: A total of 9,138
children aged 0-23.9 months with complete information on infant and young child
feeding practices (IYCF), anthropometric measurements, maternal information, and
household characteristics were included in the study. Data were extracted from a
nationwide survey conducted in 2018-2019. Results: Among children aged 0-23.9
months, 20.7% adhered to age-appropriate feeding criteria. More than half (57.7%)
of children below six months adhered to age-appropriate exclusive breastfeeding
practices, while 1.4% of children aged 6-8.9 months old started complementary
feeding. Continued breastfeeding at 12 months of age while receiving complementary
feeding was uncommon (11%). Significantly higher z-scores for weight-for-age
(-0.6±0.04), height-for-age (-0.8±0.05), and weight-for-height (-0.2±0.05) were noted
among children who adhered to age-appropriate feeding practices compared to
those who did not. Child’s age and birth weight, as well as mother’s age, education,
and working status, were found to significantly influence the likelihood of adhering
to age-appropriate feeding index. Conclusion: Filipino infants and young children
under two years of age have low adherence to age-appropriate feeding practices,
putting them at a higher risk of repeated occurrence of infection that could lead to
stunting in early life.
- Full text:4.2022my0595.pdf
