Naja F, Hwalla N, Chokor FAZ, Zgheib R, Nasreddine L. Infant and young child feeding practices in Lebanon: a cross-sectional national study.
Public Health Nutr 2023;
26:143-159. [PMID:
35369892 PMCID:
PMC11077449 DOI:
10.1017/s1368980022000842]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Lebanon and investigate their associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in 2012-2013. In addition to a socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire, a 24-h dietary recall for the children was collected, with mothers as proxies. IYCF practices were assessed based on the 2021 indicators of the WHO.
SETTING
Lebanon.
PARTICIPANTS
Children aged 0-23 months and their mothers (n 469).
RESULTS
While the majority of infants were ever breastfed (87·6 %), the prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding (BF) in those under 6 months of age was 11·0 %. Early initiation of BF was 28 %. A greater child's birth order, partner's support for BF, higher parental education, maternal BF knowledge and non-smoking were associated with higher odds of meeting BF recommendations. As for complementary feeding, 92·8 % of children (6-23 months) met the minimum meal frequency indicator, 37·5 % met the minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and 34·4 % met the minimum adequate diet (MAD). The consumption of unhealthy food was observed amongst 48·9 % of children, with nearly 37 % consuming sweet beverages. Older maternal age and maternal overweight/obesity were associated with lower odds of meeting MDD and MAD, while child's age and partner's support for BF were associated with higher odds.
CONCLUSIONS
The results documented suboptimal IYCF practices amongst Lebanese children and identified a number of factors associated with these practices. Findings from this study will help guide the development of culture-specific programmes aimed at improving IYCF practices in Lebanon.
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