1.Differences in infant and young child feeding practices of caregivers in inland and coastal communities in Camarines Sur, Philippines: A cross-sectional study
Jeena Sandra R. Manrique-De Hitta ; Kim Leonard G. dela Luna ; Mildred O. Guirindola ; Francesca Lauren F. Vivas
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2026;32(No. 1):63-74
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


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