Complementary Feeding Pattern of Infants attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu

Abstract

background: The transition from exclusive breastfeeding to family foods is a very vulnerable period in every child's life. Its success depends on the available foods and the practices of caregivers. Objective: To determine the complementary feeding pattern for children under one year of age. Methods: Data was obtained by interviewer administered questionnaire from caregivers who brought their children to the Children Outpatients Clinic (CHOP) and Institute of Child Health (ICH) at the Universsity of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. Results: A total of 332 respondents were studied. Those who commenced complementary feeding before four months of age constituted 38.8 percent (CHOP) and 23.4 percent in ICH, (p=0.003). Fortytwo point eight percent (CHOP) and 61.2 percent (ICH) used homemade food items in complementary feeding, while 60 percent (CHOP) and 48.8 percent (ICH) (p= 0.0001) fed their children more than five times per day. Those who stopped breastfeeding before one year constituted 23.3 percent (CHOP) and 11.2 percent (ICH). The percentages that used cup plate and spoon for feeding were 82.8 percent (CHOP) and 94.0 percent (ICH). Mothers were usually responsible for feeding their babies in 91.1 percent (CHOP) and 87.5 percent {ICH) cases, respectively. Conclusion: Complementary feeding practice among caregivers was still suboptimal. Early cessation of breast feeding, and that of commencement of complementary feeding were common.