Results of a study on breastfeeding practices
- VernacularTitle:Эхийн сүүгээр хооллолтын дадлыг судалсан дүн
- Author:
Otgonjargal D
1
;
Tuul B
1
;
Davaasuren M
1
;
Bolormaa N
1
;
Ganbolor D
1
;
Batjargal J
1
;
Bayasgalan J
1
Author Information
1. National Center of Public Health Mongolia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Breastfeeding;
Early initiation of breastfeeding;
Exclusive breastfeeding;
Infant-feeding practices
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2021;195(1):31-37
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Breastfeeding is the ideal food source for all newborns globally. Proper feeding of infants and young
children promotes optimal growth and development, especially in the critical window from birth to 2
years of age. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for the first 2 years of
life protects children from infection, provides an ideal source of nutrients, and is economical and safe.
Objective:To assess the indicators of infant feeding practices among 0- 23 months old children.
Materials and Methods:The NNS V was implemented in 21 aimags (provinces) in 4 economic regions (Central, Eastern,
Khangai, Western) and the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Given the regional differences in lifestyle
and nutrition status, target populations were stratified into 5 strata based on economic region and
Ulaanbaatar with equal samples drawn from each stratum using a cluster-randomized sampling
design [1]. The infant and young child feeding indicators assessed in the NNS V were based on
the mother’s or caretaker’s report of breastfeeding and consumption of foods and fluids by the child
during the day or night prior to being interviewed.
Results:83.7% of children under 2 years started breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth and though almost all
children were ever breastfed (97.9%), a slightly higher percentage of girls were ever breastfed overall
and within 1 hour of birth. Children 0-5 months were categorized according to whether they were
exclusively breastfed or predominantly breastfed, with the former only allowing vitamins, mineral
supplements, and medicine and the latter also including plain water and non-milk liquids. Among
children 0-5 months of age, 58.3% were exclusively breastfed and 65.3% were predominantly
breastfed, having received other liquids or foods in addition to breast milk. The prevalence of exclusive
breastfeeding was lowest in the 4th wealth index quintile (46.5%) and wealthiest quintile (54.0%)
households.
Conclusions:Exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding practices are unacceptably low in
Mongolia; 20% of newborns are not breastfed within 1 hour of birth and more than 40% of infants
under 6 months of age are not exclusively breastfed and therefore, not receiving optimum nutritional
and immunity benefits from breast milk. Strengthening IYCF counselling in all regions and wealth quintiles to support women to practice optimal breastfeeding, along with counselling and awareness
of timely and adequate complementary feeding for children under 2 years of age, should be a top
priority for public health and as it is a key strategy to reduce malnutrition in children.
- Full text:2021-195(1)-31-37.pdf
