Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9600
ISSN: 2155-9600
Wondu Garoma Berra and Nianhong Yang
Introduction: Suboptimal complementary feeding including inappropriate breastfeeding practices are the major causes of child under-nutrition in Ethiopia, like many other low income countries. However, the current situations of complementary feeding practices among children 6-23 months were not known in the sub-regions. Therefore, assessment is required, and the newly established WHO four core indicators of IYCF were used in this regards. Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine prevalence and factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practices among children 6-23 months in selected urban slums of Oromia zones. Method: A cross-sectional household-based survey was employed using semi-structured interview and questionnaires, during the period of January-April 2015. Results: Analyses of the described indicators were examined against explanatory variables using multiple logistic regressions. ISSS among infants aged 6–8 months was 86.1%. Of children aged 6–23 months, MMF was 85.7%, MDD was 34.8% and MAD was 29.3%. Multivariate analyses found that MKCf score were salient determinants of inappropriate and delayed introduction of complementary feeding in the area. Child age and age of mother were common predictors of MDD. Predictors of MMF included residence, child age and MKCf. Age of mother and good MKCf were again determinant factors for not meeting the requirements for MAD. Conclusion: Complementary feeding practices among the target children were inadequate in the study setting. Early complementary child age and MKCf were the most salient determinants which need attention during nutrition interventions.