Mothers perceptions of complementary feeding practices: An exploratory qualitative study

Mothers perceptions of complementary feeding practices: an exploratory qualitative study

Salarkia N, Amini M, Zoghi T, Eslami M , Alipour S & Eshrati B

National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Science & Food Technology, Shaheed Beheshti University, M.C.

Background& purpose

Childhood feeding practices affect the children's nutrition, health, and survival during the first 2 years of life. This study was undertaken to gain an insight of mothers' perceptions about the complementary feeding.

Method of study

In this qualitative research perceptions of mothers with below 2 years old children were explored by 11 Focus Group Discussions (n=83);7FGDs (n=51) in urban and 4 FGDs (n=32) in rural areas of Damaveand. Data were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

In reply to the question "what is the complementary feeding?" the majority of mothers mentioned it was "simple", "soft", "light" and "special" for children. The item most commonly used as the first weaning food was a soft porridge made with milk and rice flour (Ferni). Among fruits, "bananas" were used more. Commercial fruit juices were also given to the children. Intakes of vegetables were limited. Among consumed vegetables, cooked potatoes and carrots were mostly used. Most of the participants believed that the best time for introducing complementary feeding was 6 months of age. All of them preferred home-made complementary food. They believed that home made food was healthy and contained all the vitamins and nutrients that were good for the baby.

Conclusion

The nutrition knowledge and feeding practices of the mothers participating in the research is inadequate. Culture has a powerful influence on the infant feeding practices, in this area. Developing and implementing an interactive nutrition education programme for mothers/caregivers is necessary.