Feeding pattern and nutritional status of infants in Belu District, East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Background The reduction of high rates of malnutrition will
require greater attention to specific aspects of child feeding.
Although much attention has been devoted recently to promoting
appropriate breastfeeding practices, little effort has been directed
to enhance complementary feeding.
Objectives To assess feeding pattern among infants in Belu District
Nusa Tenggara Timur, related to nutritional status of children.
Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted in Belu District,
East Nusa Tenggara using a two stage cluster sampling method to
select a sample of representative households. All infants were
assessed for current feeding practices and anthropometric.
Results Among 87.8% infants are still breastfed, and 80.2% were
given colostrum. The mother gave the baby plain water (27.4%),
or sugar water (15.6%), or other liquid (31.7%) before giving the
first breast milk. Timely first suckling was practiced 10.1% infants,
timely first complementary feeding was achieved 90.3%, as well
as high rate of early introduction of semi-solid food in infants less
than 4 months. Introduction of solid food was progressively
increased (3% in the newborn period to 72% in 3 months infant).
Exclusive breastfeeding among infants < 4 months was decreasing
(90% in newborn period to 28% in 3 months infants). The
proportion of infants fed solid foods was progressively increased
(4% in infants <1 month to 72% in 3 months infant). The high
prevalence of wasting reached 27.8% (CI 95%: 24,6-31,3). The
prevalence of children below -2 SD Z-scores was 10% (CI 95%:
8-12.5), was classified as serious condition.
Conclusions This study showed that high percentage of exclusive
breastfeeding rate otherwise rate of continued breastfeeding (one
year) is low. A sufficient high rate on complementary feeding is
established as well as early introduction of semi-solid foods. The
prevalence of underweight is high and classified as serious wasting.