Determinants of infant nutrition status in rural farming households before and after harvest

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dc.contributor.authorMuhimbula Happiness
dc.contributor.authorKinabo Joyce
dc.contributor.authorO'Sullivan Aifric
dc.date.accessioned2024-04-05T12:38:30Z
dc.date.available2024-04-05T12:38:30Z
dc.date.issued2019-04-06
dc.descriptionJournal Article
dc.description.abstractInfant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices determine infant growth, develop- ment and health. Despite global recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, adherence rates are low worldwide for different reasons, largely dependent on environment. In low‐income countries, inappropriate IYCF leads to poor nutrition status. This study examined IYCF practices and nutrition outcomes in rural farming households in Tanzania before and after harvest. Mothers and their infants were recruited from two regions in Tanzania. Demographics, health status, IYCF practices, anthropometrics and haemoglobin were measured; preharvest and postharvest. Regression analysis modelled the relationship between IYCF and nutrition outcomes. Despite high rates of breastfeeding a large proportion did not meet early initiation of breastfeeding and minimum acceptable diet standards. Undernutrition was high with 30–40% of infants classified as stunted depending on season, and the majority (81%) were anaemic. Early initiation of breastfeeding was associated with higher Length‐ for‐age z‐score and weight‐for‐age z‐score and lower risk of stunting and under- weight (p < 0.05). The introduction of fluids other than breast milk in the first 3 days after birth was associated with lower weight‐for‐age z‐score and increased under- weight (p < 0.05). Maternal age and height were strongly and positively associated with child anthropometrics. Findings confirm the importance of early infant feeding practices for growth and development and emphasize the significance of mother's nutrition status in relation to infant health. Future interventions should focus on improving maternal nutrition status before, during and after pregnancy as well as edu- cating and supporting mothers to adopt appropriate infant feeding including breastfeeding practices for the prevention of undernutrition.
dc.description.sponsorshipHigher Education Authority of Ireland; Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/5991
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherWILEY
dc.subjectbreastfeeding
dc.subjectinfant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices
dc.subjectinfant growth
dc.subjectmaternal nutrition
dc.subjectstunting
dc.subjectundernutrition
dc.titleDeterminants of infant nutrition status in rural farming households before and after harvest
dc.typeArticle

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