ALEITAMENTO MATERNO EXCLUSIVO E ALIMENTAÇÃO COMPLEMENTAR ENTRE MENORES DE UM ANO EM RIBEIRÃO DAS NEVES-MG

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to identify the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding of children aged under one year in the city of Ribeirão das Neves-MG, Brazil. Material and methods: Research conducted in 10 municipal primary health units, with data collected through a questionnaire with 55 questions to be completed by the parents/carers of children under one year, who attended the vaccine room in the study period. A total of 353 questionnaires were distributed to the health units. Data analysis comprised the association of variables with exclusive breastfeeding based on asymptotic and exact Pearson’s chi-square tests and exact Pearson’s chi-square tests with the study variables. Results: The exclusive breastfeeding rate in the city was 30%, requiring development of activities, programs or services to promote, support and advise on breastfeeding. The variables that have correlation with the low breastfeeding rate in the municipality were the use of bottle and child’s age. We identified early supplementary feeding and use of foods not recommended for the child’s age, practice that can be linked to cultural factors. Conclusion: Early introduction of foods not recommended for age favors early weaning and the establishment of unhealthy dietary habits in adulthood. Data suggest that the multidisciplinary team should be prepared to meet the individual needs of mother and child when monitoring and evaluating breastfeeding or supplementary feeding. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2015.13479

Keywords

• alimentação complementar
• hábito alimentar
• aleitamento materno.