Differences in infant and young child feeding practices of caregivers in inland and coastal communities in Camarines Sur, Philippines: A cross-sectional study
- Author:
Jeena Sandra R. Manrique-De Hitta
1
;
Kim Leonard G. dela Luna
2
;
Mildred O. Guirindola
3
;
Francesca Lauren F. Vivas
2
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: breastfeeding; complementary feeding; formula feeding; infant and young child feeding
- From: Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(No. 1):63-74
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Introduction: Residential settlement is seen as a contributing factor to the diet of children. This study aimed to investigate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices between coastal and inland communities of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 628 caregivers of infants and young children aged 0-23.9 months. Socio-demographic data were gathered. IYCF practices were assessed through face-to-face interviews using a list of indicators from World Health Organization guidelines. Descriptive and inferential statistics using chi-square test of association were done. Results: The majority of children were breastfed (coastal=97.1%; inland=96.8%; p=0.83), with most breastfed within 1 hour after birth (coastal areas 85.3%; inland areas 86.7%). However, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was low for both areas (57.0% and 47.0%, respectively, p=0.58). Minimum meal frequency, continued breastfeeding until 23.9 months, and appropriate complementary feeding for children 6-8 months were also low in both areas. Meanwhile, unhealthy food consumption (inland: 85.4%; coastal: 79.8%) and zero consumption of vegetables or fruits were higher in inland areas. Consumption of meat products and sweet beverages was observed to be higher in coastal areas (coastal: 26.8%; inland: 16.9%). Conclusion: Minimal differences were seen in IYCF practices of caregivers between coastal and inland communities. However, the study found a notable difference in the consumption of sweet beverages, where coastal areas had significantly higher rates. This suggests that interventions must be made to educate caregivers to improve the diets of infants and young children
- Full text:2026070216022913969MJN_20Vol_2032(1)_205.mjn.2025.0028_20Francesca.pdf
