Research

Selected facets of nutrition during the first 1 000 days of life in vulnerable South African communities

Lisanne du Plessis, Martha G Herselman, Mildred H McLachlan, Johanna H Nel

Abstract


Background. Optimal nutrition during the first 1 000 days of life can reap lasting benefits throughout life.

Objectives. To assess infant and young child-feeding (IYCF) practices and mother/caregiver-child anthropometry in two vulnerable Breede Valley communities, Western Cape. 

Methods. Mothers of children aged 0 - 23 months (N=322) were interviewed to assess IYCF practices. Anthropometric measurements of mothers/caregivers and children were performed according to standard procedures.

Results. Mothers reported early breastfeeding (BF) initiation in 75.2% (242/322) of cases. Of infants <6 months old, 38.5% (45/117) were recorded as exclusively breastfed (EBF). Cross-checking this figure with other research from the area, however, suggests significant over-reporting of EBF. One in five infants <6 months were exclusively bottle fed (19.7%; 23/117) and 48.4% (156/322) aged 0 - 23 months had received bottle feeding in the preceding 24 hours. Eighty-four percent (36/43) of 6 - 8-month-old infants were receiving complementary foods. BF was continued in 32.5% (13/40) of children 12 - 15 months old. In children 6 - 23 months, 44.0% (90/205) received foods from four or more food groups, 71.0% (145/205) received complementary foods the recommended minimum number of times or more, and 44.4% (91/205) received a mini­mum acceptable diet. The prevalence of stunting and overweight in children was 28.9% and 21.8%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight in mothers/caregivers was 28.9%, and 33.7% were obese, with a mean waist circumference of 88.6 cm. 

Conclusion. Indicators showed sub-optimal IYCF practices with child under- and overnutrition coexisting with maternal/caregiver overnutrition. This profile signals a need for urgent and appropriate interventions focusing on the first 1 000 days of life.


Authors' affiliations

Lisanne du Plessis, Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town

Martha G Herselman, Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town

Mildred H McLachlan, Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town

Johanna H Nel, Department of Logistics, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town

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Cite this article

South African Journal of Child Health 2016;10(1):37-42. DOI:10.7196/SAJCH.2016.v10i1.984

Article History

Date submitted: 2015-10-12
Date published: 2016-03-29

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