Browsing by Subject "laadullinen"

Chronic undernutrition, or stunting, reduces the growth and development of about one third of the world’s children less than five years of age. The consequences of chronic undernutrition may be long-lasting and irreversible and it increases the risk of death. Undernutrition is the most prevalent at the age of 6–24 months when breast milk no longer meets the energy and nutrient needs of the growing child. Complementary foods in low- and middle income countries are often inadequate nutritionally or in amounts. There are also a wide variety of behavioural aspects critical for child nutrition and well-being. Style of complementary feeding may be an important determinant of dietary intake and nutritional status. The caregiver-infant interaction can influence infant’s nutritional status. Interpreting child’s ques responsively can enhance the acceptance of food. Caregiver feeding styles can be classified as controlling, laissez-faire or responsive. Laissez-faire feeding style is common in societies where children are stunted. Encouraging the child is especially important during illness when appetite is often diminished. The aim of this study is to investigate the feeding and caring practices of children in rural area of Southern Benin where 45% of children under five are chronically undernourished. The behavioural aspects of breast feeding and complementary feeding and the caregiver-infant interaction are discussed. The research was conducted in two rural villages in the Mono region where 30 households were randomly selected. Of the households 30 mothers of children aged 6–23 mo were selected to participate in a semi-structured interview. Purposeful sampling was used to get the same amount of children in three age groups; 6–8 mo, 9–11 mo and 12–23 mo. Mother-child pairs (n=20) and the feeding situations were observed after the interviews. Data was coded and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Methodological, data and researcher triangulation improves the validity of the study. Children in the rural area of Southern Benin were not fed according to WHO recommendations. Children were not exclusively breastfed for 6 mo as the majority of children were given traditional medicine or water after birth. However, children were breastfed beyond the age of two in addition to getting other liquids and foods. The average starting age of complementary foods was 4.7 mo [0–12 mo]. The diet typically consisted of maize gruel or porridge that was usually eaten with green leafy vegetables. Children rarely got animal-source foods. Mothers reported ways to encourage children if they refuse to eat. However, children were seldom encouraged to eat during the ob-served feeding situations and only a few mothers spoke to their child when feeding. There were signs of controlling feeding style in the villages. Not many children were encouraged in self-feeding. Many caregivers showed behaviours of all the feeding styles and thus it could not be categorized as strictly responsive, laissez-faire or controlling. During illnesses breastfeeding was reduced as well as giving liquids and other foods. After illnesses only about a fifth of the mothers reported increasing complementary feeding. Hygienic practices could be improved as few mothers washed their own or child’s hands before eating. A good example of some mother’s hygienic practices was, however, washing the child before the meal.