Efficacy of Protocols Used in Artificial Feeding Using Infant Formula

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of protocols employed in replacement/artificial feeding using commercial infant formula. The study was carried out in the different suburban locations of Harare, Zimbabwe. A sample size of 20 mothers/caregivers giving commercial infant formula to their babies at between 0-6 months was targeted; convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify the participants. Interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted and complemented by direct observation of the participants as they conducted the procedures used in infant formula preparation. The results were tallied against a checklist of recommended practices and data analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 16. A set of recommendations and areas of further research are highlighted based on the findings of the study.