Infants feeding practices and nutritional status - East - Africa

Exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life and appropriate introduction of complementary feeds is a key determinant of the nutrition status of children. It is well recognized that from birth to two years of age is a ¿critical window¿ period for the promotion of optimal growth, health and behavioral development. Therefore poor feeding practices during this period are associated with malnutrition which in turn contributes to the high mortality and disease burden in children globally and more so in developing countries. Objective: The main objective of this study wasis to assess the feeding practices among young children 6- 24 months of age and its relationship with their nutritional status at Mbagathi District hospital. Study design: This was a is a hospital based case control study which was will be carried out in both in the in and outpatient setting over a period of 3 months. The malnourished children (cases) were ill be matched for age and sex with well-nourished children (controls).