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Mgongo M, Ickes SB, Leyaro BJ, Mboya IB, Grounds S, Seiger ER, Hashim TH, Conklin JL, Kimani-Murage EW, Martin SL. Early Infant Feeding Practices among Women Engaged in Paid Work in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review. Adv Nutr 2024; 15:100179. [PMID: 38246350 PMCID: PMC10877690 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Around the world, paid work without appropriate structural support is a key barrier to optimal breastfeeding practices. To better protect, promote, and support optimal breastfeeding practices among working women in Africa, this scoping review sought to understand how paid work influences infant feeding practices in the first 6 mo of life and what support women need to manage work and optimal infant feeding practices. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Global Health, and CINAHL Plus, screened 2436 abstracts, and reviewed 322 full-text articles using Covidence for review and charting. We identified 203 articles that met the inclusion criteria. We identified 32 quantitative, 10 qualitative, 3 mixed-methods, and 2 review articles that focused on examining the relationship between work and breastfeeding, and 109 quantitative, 22 qualitative, 21 mixed-methods, and 4 review articles that included work as part of broader breastfeeding research but did not focus on work. Most studies reported a significant negative association between work and exclusive breastfeeding. Three major domains were reported in the qualitative studies: challenges to managing work and infant feeding, receiving support from employers and family members/caregivers, and strategies for feeding infants when the mother is working. Reviewed studies proposed recommendations to increase support for breastfeeding through changes to policies and support within worksites, the health system, and childcare; however, evidence of previously implemented policies or programs is limited. We recommend more consistent definitions and measurement of women's work. Future research is needed on the impact of implementing various strategies and benefits for breastfeeding at workplaces, as well as efforts to support breastfeeding among informal workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Mgongo
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community and Global Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania; Better Health for the African Mother and Child, Moshi, Tanzania.
| | - Scott B Ickes
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Program in Nutritional Sciences, and Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, William and Mary, WIlliamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Beatrice J Leyaro
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Innocent B Mboya
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Samantha Grounds
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Emily R Seiger
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tamara H Hashim
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community and Global Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Jamie L Conklin
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Stephanie L Martin
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Makwela MS, Mashaba RG, Ntimana CB, Seakamela KP, Maimela E. Barriers and enablers to exclusive breastfeeding by mothers in Polokwane, South Africa. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1209784. [PMID: 38414908 PMCID: PMC10897026 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1209784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months, with the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding thereafter, and breastfeeding continuing for up to 2 years and beyond, is highly recommended. This could save the lives of up to 1.4 million children each year worldwide. Despite this, breastfeeding rates in South Africa remain sub-optimal, with the recommended target of 50% by the World Health Assembly (WHA) not being achieved. The study aimed to investigate the reasons influencing mothers' practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the Polokwane municipality of Limpopo province in South Africa. Methodology A cross-sectional health facility-based quantitative and descriptive survey was conducted using a validated-structured questionnaire administered to 146 mothers. The data was analyzed using STATA. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationship between selected demographic variables and their reasons not to breastfeed exclusively. Results Although 94% of the mothers had initiated breastfeeding, at the time of data collection 8% had stopped. Of those who had stopped breastfeeding, 5% did so within one month of starting. Thirty- nine percent of mothers' breastfed exclusively, while 61% practiced mixed feeding. A positive association between exclusive breastfeeding practices and the age of the mother were observed, with older mothers more likely to breastfeed. The reasons mothers stopped breastfeeding were: the mother was ill (45%) or they returned to school or work (27%). Reasons for not breastfeeding were cited as: medical conditions, not enough milk, and infant refusal to breastfeed (33%). Mothers believe that HIV-positive women should breastfeed their infants (57%), and health workers were found to be the main source of HIV information to mothers (77%). Discussion Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months was less practiced. Infant formula and solid foods were introduced at an early age, usually within the first month of breastfeeding. This study sheds light on factors influencing the early initiation of breastfeeding and the practice of EBF as practiced in Polokwane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maishataba Solomon Makwela
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Reneilwe Given Mashaba
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Cairo Bruce Ntimana
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Kagiso Peace Seakamela
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Eric Maimela
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
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Ickes SB, Lemein HS, McKay A, Arensen K, Singa B, Kinyua J, Nduati R, Walson J, Denno DM. Mothers' Willingness to Use Workplace Lactation Supports: Evidence from Formally Employed Mothers in Central Kenya. Curr Dev Nutr 2023; 7:102032. [PMID: 38130332 PMCID: PMC10733674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Formally employed mothers are vulnerable to early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Kenyan national policy requires employer-provided maternity benefits and workplace lactation supports. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate willingness to use nationally mandated workplace lactation supports among formally employed women in Kenya. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 304 mothers of children ages ≤12 mo in Naivasha, Kenya, who were currently formally employed and employed before delivery of the most recent child to assess availability of and willingness to use current and potential future workplace lactation supports. Results The most available reported workplace lactation supports were schedule flexibility to arrive late or leave early (87.8%) or visit a child to nurse during lunch (24.7%), followed by company-funded community-based daycare (7.6%). Few (<4.0%) reported the availability of lactation rooms, on-site daycares, transportation to breastfeed during lunch, refrigerators for expressed milk, or manual or electric breastmilk pumps. If made available, >80% of mothers reported moderate or strong willingness to use flexible schedules to arrive late or leave early, break during lunch, and transportation to visit a child to nurse. A moderate proportion reported strong willingness to use on-site daycares (63.8%), company-funded community-based daycare (56.9%), on-site lactation rooms (60.5%), refrigeration for expressed milk (49.3%), manual (40.5%), and electric pumps (27.6%). Mothers expressed fear of missing production targets and reported more willingness to use on-site compared with off-site daycare to save transportation time but noted concerns about chemical exposures and early arrival times with young infants. Hesitations regarding the use of on-site lactation rooms included concerns about privacy, milk identification and storage, and use and sharing of pumps. Conclusions Flexible schedules were the workplace lactation supports in highest demand among formally employed mothers. Maternal willingness to use lactation rooms, refrigeration, and pumping equipment was moderate to low, suggesting sensitization may help to increase demand as the implementation of Kenyan policies moves forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott B. Ickes
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, United States
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Departments of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease) and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Kinesiology, William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Hellen Sankaine Lemein
- Departments of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease) and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Anna McKay
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, United States
| | - Kelly Arensen
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, United States
| | - Benson Singa
- Departments of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease) and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Joyceline Kinyua
- Departments of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease) and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ruth Nduati
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Judd Walson
- Departments of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease) and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Donna M. Denno
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Modjadji P, Seabela ES, Ntuli B, Madiba S. Beliefs and Norms Influencing Initiation and Sustenance of Exclusive Breastfeeding: Experiences of Mothers in Primary Health Care Facilities in Ermelo, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1513. [PMID: 36674268 PMCID: PMC9864642 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is not a norm in many communities in South Africa despite the World Health Organizations' recommendations for EBF in the first six months of infant's life. Thus, South Africa continues to observe suboptimal and poor practices of EBF. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of mothers who are HIV-positive and negative on EBF and examine the extent to which initiation and sustenance of EBF is influenced by cultural beliefs, societal norms, and family norms and practices in Mpumalanga Province. Three focus group discussions and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted among thirty mothers who were purposively selected during their visits to the facilities for childcare services. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were analysed through thematic analysis using NVivo version 10. Mothers were aged between 18 and 42 years, most were unemployed and were living in poor sociodemographic backgrounds in extended family households. We found evidence of factors that influence the decision to EBF and mix feed infants among mothers. Traditional and cultural beliefs and norms that exist within their communities informed decisions mothers took to EBF. These beliefs existed alongside mothers' opinions on breastfeeding (BF) and HIV infection, as well as the fears of harming the baby through HIV infection, leading to early cessation of BF. Mothers were also advised by family members, friends, and even some healthcare workers to use traditional medicines while BF. The association of EBF with sagging breasts and weight loss as well as discomfort with public BF are personal beliefs that influenced initiation and early cessation of EBF. Breastfeeding messages ought to be context specific to improve the knowledge, understanding, acceptance and practice of EBF among HIV-positive and negative mothers. Culturally appropriate counselling messages that address the known cultural practices of the populations affected are essential to changing the beliefs and norms of the communities including extended families of EBF mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perpetua Modjadji
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, 1 Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Ethel Sekori Seabela
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, 1 Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Busisiwe Ntuli
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, 1 Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0700, South Africa
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Sociodemographic factors associated with mixed- feeding practices among a cohort of mothers with infants aged 4 - 14 weeks in Tlokwe subdistrict, North West Province, South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CHILD HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.7196/sajch.2022.v16.i4.1808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant’s life is the recommended gold standard for infant feeding; however, mixed feeding (MF) is common in various settings. In South Africa (SA), especially in the Tlokwe subdistrict of North West Province, there is little information on the association between sociodemographic factors and infant MF practices.Objective. To identify the sociodemographic factors associated with MF practices in a cohort of mothers of infants aged 4 - 14 weeks in the Tlokwe subdistrict of North West.
Methods. The study setting was 8 health facilities in the Tlokwe subdistrict. Participants comprised postpartum women with infants aged 4 - 14 weeks. Data analysis used SPSS version 25.0. Normal data are presented as means (standard deviation (SD)), skewed data as median values (25th, 75th percentiles) and categorical values as percentages and frequencies. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysed the association between sociodemographic factors and MF practices at time point 2 (10 - 14 weeks).
Results. The majority of the mothers were aged between 25 and 29 years, and 37% had at least 2 live children. MF increased with infant age. There was no significant association between any of the sociodemographic variables and MF practices. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between increased parity and MF. There was also a significant association between changes in infant- feeding practices after receiving the child support grant at 10 - 14 weeks.
Conclusion. The high proportion of mothers who mixed-fed indicates that it is still the norm, as in other SA contexts. Therefore, strengthened breastfeeding education regarding appropriate infant-feeding choices in the promotion of infant development and survival for the short and long term should be emphasised.
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Adam M, Johnston J, Job N, Dronavalli M, Le Roux I, Mbewu N, Mkunqwana N, Tomlinson M, McMahon SA, LeFevre AE, Vandormael A, Kuhnert KL, Suri P, Gates J, Mabaso B, Porwal A, Prober C, Bärnighausen T. Evaluation of a community-based mobile video breastfeeding intervention in Khayelitsha, South Africa: The Philani MOVIE cluster-randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003744. [PMID: 34582438 PMCID: PMC8478218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, breastfeeding promotion is a national health priority. Regular perinatal home visits by community health workers (CHWs) have helped promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in underresourced settings. Innovative, digital approaches including mobile video content have also shown promise, especially as access to mobile technology increases among CHWs. We measured the effects of an animated, mobile video series, the Philani MObile Video Intervention for Exclusive breastfeeding (MOVIE), delivered by a cadre of CHWs ("mentor mothers"). METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a stratified, cluster-randomized controlled trial from November 2018 to March 2020 in Khayelitsha, South Africa. The trial was conducted in collaboration with the Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, a nongovernmental community health organization. We quantified the effect of the MOVIE intervention on EBF at 1 and 5 months (primary outcomes), and on other infant feeding practices and maternal knowledge (secondary outcomes). We randomized 1,502 pregnant women in 84 clusters 1:1 to 2 study arms. Participants' median age was 26 years, 36.9% had completed secondary school, and 18.3% were employed. Mentor mothers in the video intervention arm provided standard-of-care counseling plus the MOVIE intervention; mentor mothers in the control arm provided standard of care only. Within the causal impact evaluation, we nested a mixed-methods performance evaluation measuring mentor mothers' time use and eliciting their subjective experiences through in-depth interviews. At both points of follow-up, we observed no statistically significant differences between the video intervention and the control arm with regard to EBF rates and other infant feeding practices [EBF in the last 24 hours at 1 month: RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.01, P = 0.091); EBF in the last 24 hours at 5 months: RR 0.90 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.04, P = 0.152)]. We observed a small, but significant improvement in maternal knowledge at the 1-month follow-up, but not at the 5-month follow-up. The interpretation of the results from this causal impact evaluation changes when we consider the results of the nested mixed-methods performance evaluation. The mean time spent per home visit was similar across study arms, but the intervention group spent approximately 40% of their visit time viewing videos. The absence of difference in effects on primary and secondary endpoints implies that, for the same time investment, the video intervention was as effective as face-to-face counseling with a mentor mother. The videos were also highly valued by mentor mothers and participants. Study limitations include a high loss to follow-up at 5 months after premature termination of the trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in mentor mother service demarcations. CONCLUSIONS This trial measured the effect of a video-based, mobile health (mHealth) intervention, delivered by CHWs during home visits in an underresourced setting. The videos replaced about two-fifths of CHWs' direct engagement time with participants in the intervention arm. The similar outcomes in the 2 study arms thus suggest that the videos were as effective as face-to-face counselling, when CHWs used them to replace a portion of that counselling. Where CHWs are scarce, mHealth video interventions could be a feasible and practical solution, supporting the delivery and scaling of community health promotion services. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study and its outcomes were registered at clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT03688217) on September 27, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Adam
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Jamie Johnston
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Nophiwe Job
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ingrid Le Roux
- The Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Khayelitsha, South Africa
| | - Nokwanele Mbewu
- The Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Khayelitsha, South Africa
| | - Neliswa Mkunqwana
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shannon A. McMahon
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amnesty E. LeFevre
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- University of Cape Town, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alain Vandormael
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kira-Leigh Kuhnert
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pooja Suri
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Gates
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Bongekile Mabaso
- School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aarti Porwal
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles Prober
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Wellcome Trust’s Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Umugwaneza M, Havemann-Nel L, Vorster HH, Wentzel-Viljoen E. Factors influencing complementary feeding practices in rural and semi-urban Rwanda: a qualitative study. J Nutr Sci 2021; 10:e45. [PMID: 34164124 PMCID: PMC8190714 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify and describe the factors influencing feeding practices of children aged 6-23 months in Rwanda. This is a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study. A total of ten focus group discussions were conducted separately with mothers, fathers, grandmothers and community health workers (CHWs) from five different districts in Rwanda. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed using qualitative data analysis software, Atlas.ti. The study participants were mothers, fathers and grandmothers of children aged 6-23 months and CHWs in charge of child health. Caregivers' knowledge and beliefs about the benefits of breast-feeding and timely introduction of complementary food were found to be the primary individual factors facilitating good infant and young child feeding practices. The common belief of caregivers that infants should be given liquids (thin gruel, fruit juices and meat broth) as first foods instead of semi-solid foods was a barrier to good feeding practices. The community-based nutrition education and counselling programmes were facilitators of good complementary practices at the group level. At the society level, poverty in rural agrarian households was a barrier to optimal feeding practices. The study shows that there is a need to empower caregivers with more specific guidelines, especially on complementary feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryse Umugwaneza
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 3286, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Lize Havemann-Nel
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom2520, South Africa
| | - Hester H. Vorster
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom2520, South Africa
| | - Edelweiss Wentzel-Viljoen
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom2520, South Africa
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Vitalis D, Vilar-Compte M, Nyhan K, Pérez-Escamilla R. Breastfeeding inequities in South Africa: Can enforcement of the WHO Code help address them? - A systematic scoping review. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:114. [PMID: 33947401 PMCID: PMC8097970 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01441-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suboptimal breastfeeding rates in South Africa have been attributed to the relatively easy access that women and families have had to infant formula, in part as a result of programs to prevent maternal-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. This policy may have had an undesirable spill-over effect on HIV-negative women as well. Thus, the aims of this scoping review were to: (a) describe EBF practices in South Africa, (b) determine how EBF has been affected by the WHO HIV infant feeding policies followed since 2006, and (c) assess if the renewed interest in The Code has had any impact on breastfeeding practices in South Africa. METHODS We applied the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews and reported our work in compliance with the PRISMA Extension (PRISMA-ScR). Twelve databases and platforms were searched. We included all study designs (no language restrictions) from South Africa published between 2006 and 2020. Eligible participants were women in South Africa who delivered a healthy live newborn who was between birth and 24 months of age at the time of study, and with known infant feeding practices. RESULTS A total of 5431 citations were retrieved. Duplicates were removed in EndNote and by Covidence. Of the 1588 unique records processed in Covidence, 179 records met the criteria for full-text screening and 83 were included in the review. It was common for HIV-positive women who initiated breastfeeding to stop doing so prior to 6 months after birth (1-3 months). EBF rates rapidly declined after birth. School and work commitments were also reasons for discontinuation of EBF. HIV-positive women expressed fear of HIV MTCT transmission as a reason for not breastfeeding. CONCLUSION The Review found that while enforcing the most recent WHO HIV infant feeding guidelines and the WHO Code may be necessary to improve breastfeeding outcomes in South Africa, they may not be sufficient because there are additional barriers that impact breastfeeding outcomes. Mixed-methods research, including in-depth interviews with key informants representing different government sectors and civil society is needed to prioritize actions and strategies to improve breastfeeding outcomes in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Vitalis
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | | | - Kate Nyhan
- Yale University, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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Goon DT, Ajayi AI, Adeniyi OV. Sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2021; 16:18. [PMID: 33593419 PMCID: PMC7885516 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00366-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Given that the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding are multi-factorial and context-specific, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first 6 months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January to May 2018, on 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. Mothers were asked to recall whether they breastfed their infant exclusively with breast milk from birth and if so, to state how long they did. We collected relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal information by interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. RESULTS The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding, measured since birth, was 32.0%. E Exclusive breastfeeding's prevalence was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.08-2.56) and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.02-7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for 6 months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for 6 months. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding in the study, although comparable with sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide prevalence, remains suboptimal. Advocacy campaigns on EBF must target alcohol cessation and the creation of a favourable workplace environment for lactating mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ter Goon
- Department of Public Health, University of Fort Hare, 5 Oxford Street, East London, 5201 South Africa
| | - Anthony Idowu Ajayi
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health, African Population and Health Research Centre, APHRC Campus, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sociology Department, University of Fort Hare, East London, 5201 South Africa
| | - Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
- Department of Public Health, University of Fort Hare, 5 Oxford Street, East London, 5201 South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, East London Hospital Complex, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London, South Africa
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10
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Theodorah DZ, Mc'Deline RN. "The kind of support that matters to exclusive breastfeeding" a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:119. [PMID: 33563230 PMCID: PMC7874650 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03590-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, only 41 % of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months while South Africa has an alarming figure of only 12 %. First-time mothers are inexperienced in the initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding, hence a need for support. Data on forms and quality of exclusive breastfeeding support as experienced by first-time mothers is minimal. The study explored the exclusive breastfeeding support available to first-time mothers in the Buffalo City Metro, South Africa. METHODS A qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual study, and a non-probability, purposive sampling was used with 10 first-time mothers within the first six months postpartum. The in-depth face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews for data collection and Creswell's steps of thematic analysis were used. RESULTS Two themes emerged; challenges, empowerment, support and resilience during initiation of exclusive breastfeeding, and diverse support and resilience during maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding. First-time mothers received practical support majorly from nurses and other mothers during the initiation; social support was from family members, friends, and community members for the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding. Sometimes there was a disjuncture between practical support from nurses and that from family members and the community. There were instances where the support was needed but not given or not supportive of exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS These findings illustrate that professional, practical and social support for first-time mothers is crucial in the initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Timing and the kind of support given to these mothers is crucial for successful exclusive breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasheka Zukiswa Theodorah
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, 50 Church Street, Eastern Cape, East London, South Africa.
| | - Rala Ntombana Mc'Deline
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, 50 Church Street, Eastern Cape, East London, South Africa
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11
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Oyelana O, Kamanzi J, Richter S. A critical look at exclusive breastfeeding in Africa: Through the lens of diffusion of innovation theory. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2020.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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12
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Mabaso BP, Jaga A, Doherty T. Experiences of workplace breastfeeding in a provincial government setting: a qualitative exploratory study among managers and mothers in South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2020; 15:100. [PMID: 33228745 PMCID: PMC7684936 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-020-00342-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Return to employment is a major barrier to breastfeeding continuation, globally and in the Southern African context. The Lancet Breastfeeding Series revealed an explicit need for research exploring breastfeeding as a workplace issue in low- and middle-income countries. A dearth of research on workplace breastfeeding in South Africa calls for attention to this topic. This study sought to explore breastfeeding at work experiences from the perspective of employed mothers and senior managers in a provincial government setting in South Africa. METHODS The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design with multi-perspective semi-structured interviews. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit twelve participants, senior managers (n = 4) and employed mothers (n = 8), from two provincial government departments in Cape Town, South Africa. Interviews were conducted between April and August 2018 to capture participants' experiences with breastfeeding in the workplace. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. RESULTS Four key themes that described experiences of workplace breastfeeding emerged which further traversed three critical maternity periods: pregnancy, maternity leave, and return to work. The prevalent themes were: 1) Knowledge about the legislation and breastfeeding support benefits. Most participants only knew about the legislated four months maternity leave and time off for prenatal visits but lacked knowledge about comprehensive maternity benefits; 2) Perceptions and experiences of breastfeeding in the workplace. Breastfeeding was perceived to be a mother's responsibility and a private issue. As a result, most participants stopped breastfeeding prior to or immediately upon return to work after maternity leave; 3) Barriers to breastfeeding continuation, such as the absence of a conversation about infant feeding plans between managers and mothers; and 4) Recommendations to improve breastfeeding support at work from an individual, organisational and national level. CONCLUSIONS Our study contributions emphasise that breastfeeding support from managers should begin prior to the mother taking maternity leave, and that in addition to providing supportive facilities (such as private space and breastmilk storage), immediate supervisor support may be critical in fostering breastfeeding-friendly workplaces for mothers. Management implications for advancing workplace breastfeeding support in the public sector are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongekile P Mabaso
- Department of School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ameeta Jaga
- Department of School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanya Doherty
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To (i) describe the infant feeding practices of South African women living in Soweto and (ii) understand from the mothers' perspective what influences feeding practices. DESIGN Semi-structured focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING Soweto, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS Nineteen mothers were stratified into three FGD according to their baby's age as follows: 0-6-month-olds, 7-14-month-olds and 15-24-month-olds. Four mothers from each FGD then attended an IDI. RESULTS Although mothers understood that breast-feeding was beneficial, they reported short durations of exclusive breast-feeding. The diversity and quality of weaning foods were low, and 'junk' food items were commonly given. Infants were fed using bottles or spoons and feeding commonly occurred separately to family meal times. Feeding practices were influenced by mothers' beliefs that what babies eat is important for their health and that an unwillingness to eat is a sign of ill health. As such, mothers often force-fed their babies. In addition, mothers believed that feeding solid food to babies before 6 months of age was necessary. Family matriarchs were highly influential to mothers' feeding practices; however, their advice often contradicted that of health professionals. CONCLUSIONS In South Africa, interventions aimed at establishing healthier appetites and eating behaviours in early life should focus on: (i) fostering maternal self-efficacy around exclusive breast-feeding; (ii) challenging mixed feeding practices and encouraging more responsive feeding approaches and (iii) engaging family members to promote supportive household and community structures around infant feeding.
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14
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Oladiran DA, Emmambux NM. Locally Available African Complementary Foods: Nutritional Limitations and Processing Technologies to Improve Nutritional Quality—A Review. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2020.1762640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dolapo A. Oladiran
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Naushad M. Emmambux
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
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15
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Ngyende B, Bucyubaruta B, Mugero C. Postnatal PMTCT: Women’s Perception Barriers at a Johannesburg Health Centre, South Africa. Health (London) 2020. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2020.1211110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Nieuwoudt SJ, Ngandu CB, Manderson L, Norris SA. Exclusive breastfeeding policy, practice and influences in South Africa, 1980 to 2018: A mixed-methods systematic review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224029. [PMID: 31626658 PMCID: PMC6799928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, South Africa committed to promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months for all mothers, regardless of HIV status, in line with World Health Organization recommendations. This was a marked shift from earlier policies, and with it, average EBF rates increased from less than 10% in 2011 to 32% by 2016. OBJECTIVES The aim of this mixed-methods systematic review was to describe EBF practices in South Africa and their multi-level influences over four policy periods. METHODS We applied PRISMA guidelines according to a published protocol (Prospero: CRD42014010512). We searched seven databases [Africa-Wide, PubMed, Popline, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Global Health, and The Cochrane Library] and conducted hand searches for eligible articles (all study designs, conducted in South Africa and published between 1980-2018). The quality of articles was assessed using published tools, as appropriate. Separate policy analysis was conducted to delineate four distinct policy periods. We compared EBF rates by these periods. Then, applying a three-level ecological framework, we analysed EBF influences concurrently by method. Finally, the findings were synthesized to compare breastfeeding influences by policy period, maintaining an ecological framework. RESULTS From an initial sample of 20,226 articles, 72 unique articles were reviewed, three of which contributed to both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Despite the large sample, several provinces were poorly represented (if at all) and many studies were assessed as low to moderate quality. Despite these limitations, our historical lens enabled us to explore why South African progress on increasing EBF practices has been slow. The review reflects a context that increasingly supports EBF, but falls short in accounting for family, community, and workplace influences. The findings also highlight the unintended damage caused by rapidly adopting and introducing global guidelines to an unsupported health workforce. CONCLUSIONS From a South African perspective, we identified geographic and methodological biases, as well as gaps in our understanding and potential explanations of inequities in EBF. Our recommendations relate to policy, programming, and research to inform changes that would be required to further improve EBF practice rates in South Africa. While our review is South Africa-specific, our findings have broader implications for investing in multi-level interventions and limiting how often infant feeding guidelines are changed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jewett Nieuwoudt
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways Health and Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Christian B. Ngandu
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways Health and Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lenore Manderson
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
- School of Social Sciences, Menzies Building, Clayton Campus, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shane A. Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways Health and Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Human Development and Health, and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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17
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Adam M, Tomlinson M, Le Roux I, LeFevre AE, McMahon SA, Johnston J, Kirton A, Mbewu N, Strydom SL, Prober C, Bärnighausen T. The Philani MOVIE study: a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a mobile video entertainment-education intervention to promote exclusive breastfeeding in South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:211. [PMID: 30940132 PMCID: PMC6444854 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4000-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In South Africa, rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain low and breastfeeding promotion is a national health priority. Mobile health and narrative entertainment-education are recognized strategies for health promotion. In-home counseling by community health workers (CHWs) is a proven breastfeeding promotion strategy. This protocol outlines a cluster-randomized controlled trial with a nested mixed-methods evaluation of the MObile Video Intervention for Exclusive breastfeeding (MOVIE) program. The evaluation will quantify the causal effect of the MOVIE program and generate a detailed understanding of the context in which the intervention took place and the mechanisms through which it enacted change. Findings from the study will inform the anticipated scale-up of mobile video health interventions in South Africa and the wider sub-Saharan region. Methods We will conduct a stratified cluster-randomized controlled trial in urban communities of the Western Cape, to measure the effect of the MOVIE intervention on exclusive breastfeeding and other infant feeding practices. Eighty-four mentor-mothers (CHWs employed by the Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust) will be randomized 1:1 into intervention and control arms, stratified by neighborhood type. Mentor-mothers in the control arm will provide standard of care (SoC) perinatal in-home counseling. Mentor-mothers in the intervention arm will provide SoC plus the MOVIE intervention. At least 1008 pregnant participants will be enrolled in the study and mother-child pairs will be followed until 5 months post-delivery. The primary outcomes of the study are exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 5 months of age. Secondary outcomes are other infant feeding practices and maternal knowledge. In order to capture human-centered underpinnings of the intervention, we will conduct interviews with stakeholders engaged in the intervention design. To contextualize quantitative findings and understand the mechanisms through which the intervention enacted change, end-line focus groups with mentor-mothers will be conducted. Discussion This trial will be among the first to explore a video-based, entertainment-education intervention delivered by CHWs and created using a community-based, human-centered design approach. As such, it could inform health policy, with regards to both the routine adoption of this intervention and, more broadly, the development of other entertainment-education interventions for health promotion in under-resourced settings. Trial Registration The study and its outcomes were registered at clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT03688217) on September 27th, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Adam
- The Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Stanford University's Digital Medical Education International Collaborative (Digital MEdIC), Cape Town, South Africa. .,Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ingrid Le Roux
- Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amnesty E LeFevre
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Angela Kirton
- Stanford University's Digital Medical Education International Collaborative (Digital MEdIC), Cape Town, South Africa.,Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nokwanele Mbewu
- Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Charles Prober
- The Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Stanford University's Digital Medical Education International Collaborative (Digital MEdIC), Cape Town, South Africa.,Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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18
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Sayed N, Schönfeldt HC. A review of complementary feeding practices in South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2018.1510251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nazeeia Sayed
- Department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hettie C Schönfeldt
- Department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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19
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Osei J, Baumgartner J, Rothman M, Matsungo TM, Covic N, Faber M, Smuts CM. Iodine status and associations with feeding practices and psychomotor milestone development in six-month-old South African infants. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2017; 13:e12408. [PMID: 28028913 PMCID: PMC6865918 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Iodine is important for normal growth and psychomotor development. While infants below 6 months of age receive iodine from breast milk or fortified infant formula, the introduction of complementary foods poses a serious risk for deteriorating iodine status. This cross-sectional analysis assessed the iodine status of six-month-old South African infants and explored its associations with feeding practices and psychomotor milestone development. Iodine concentrations were measured in infant (n = 386) and maternal (n = 371) urine (urinary iodine concentration [UIC]), and in breast milk (n = 257 [breast milk iodine concentrations]). Feeding practices and psychomotor milestone development were assessed in all infants. The median (25th-75th percentile) UIC in infants was 345 (213-596) μg/L and was significantly lower in stunted (302 [195-504] μg/L) than non-stunted (366 [225-641] μg/L) infants. Only 6.7% of infants were deficient. Maternal UIC (128 [81-216] μg/L; rs = 0.218, p < 0.001) and breast milk iodine concentrations (170 [110-270] μg/kg; rs = 0.447, p < 0.0001) were associated with infant UIC. Most infants (72%) were breastfed and tended to have higher UIC than non-breastfed infants (p = 0.074). Almost all infants (95%) consumed semi-solid or solid foods, with commercial infant cereals (60%) and jarred infant foods (20%) being the most common solid foods first introduced. Infants who reported to consume commercial infant cereals ≥4 days weekly had significantly higher UIC (372 [225-637] μg/L) than those reported to consume commercial infant cereals seldom or never (308 [200-517] μg/L; p = 0.023). No associations between infant UIC and psychomotor developmental scores were observed. Our results suggest that iodine intake in the studied six-month-old infants was adequate. Iodine in breast milk and commercial infant cereals potentially contributed to this adequate intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Osei
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Jeannine Baumgartner
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Marinel Rothman
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | | | - Namukolo Covic
- Poverty, Health & Nutrition DivisionInternational Food Policy Research InstituteWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Mieke Faber
- Non‐Communicable Disease Research UnitSouth African Medical Research CouncilCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Cornelius M. Smuts
- Centre of Excellence for NutritionNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
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20
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The prevalence and factors associated with stunting among infants aged 6 months in a peri-urban South African community. Public Health Nutr 2017; 20:3209-3218. [PMID: 28879827 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980017002087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and factors associated with stunting in 6-month-old South African infants. DESIGN This cross-sectional study was part of the baseline of a randomized controlled trial. Weight-for-length, length-for-age and weight-for-age Z-scores were based on the WHO classification. Blood samples were analysed for Hb, plasma ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Socio-economic, breast-feeding and complementary feeding practices were assessed by questionnaire. Setting/Subjects Infants aged 6 months (n 750) from a peri-urban area of Matlosana Municipality, North West Province of South Africa. RESULTS Stunting, underweight, wasting and overweight affected 28·5, 11·1, 1·7 and 10·1 % of infants, respectively. Exclusive breast-feeding to 6 months of age was reported in 5·9 % of the infants. Multivariable binary logistic regression showed that birth weight (OR=0·12; 95 % CI 0·07, 0·21, P8·3 mg/l) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The association between stunting and lower birth weight, shorter maternal height and male sex reflects possibly the intergenerational origins of stunting. Therefore, interventions that focus on improving preconceptual and maternal nutritional status, combined with strategies to promote appropriate infant feeding practices, may be an important strategy to prevent stunting in vulnerable settings.
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21
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Pillay S, Sibanda W, Ghuman MR, Coutsoudis A. Infant feeding practices of teenage mothers attending a well-baby clinic in a public hospital in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2017.1338841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Pillay
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - W Sibanda
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - MR Ghuman
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - A Coutsoudis
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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