Reasons for Introducing Solid Foods to Infants Younger than Six Months of Age
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research - Year 2015, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: The introduction of solid foods to infants younger than (six months) of age differs from one country to another and from one society to another. In fact cultural issues in Babylon Province influence early introduction of solid foods because the older generations ,who are now grandparents; grew up at a time when it was a norm to give solid foods as early as 40 days of age on the belief that the infant will get used to eating better. Aim of the Study: This study was conducted to determine the maternal and infantile socio-demographic and medical characteristics that influence the decision to introduce solid foods to young infants before six months of age in Hillah city Babylon Iraq. Patients and method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Al-Hilla city, Babylon Governorate, Iraq. ,It was carried on infants younger than six months attending primary health care centers for vaccination, during the period from 1st of March 2014 to 31st October 2014. The sample included 200 infants younger than 6 months who had history of early introduction of solid foods. Results: The study found out that a number of maternal and infantile demographic and medical characteristics interact and impact the decision to introduce solid foods earlier than 6 months of age. Most mothers were low income (64%) married (79%) urban (66.5%) housewives (73%) younger than 18 years old (39.5%).(50.5% )of these mothers live in extended families with varying degrees of educations.(20%) were illiterate. Two thirds of infants were artificially fed, male (75%) preterm babies (59%) with low birth weight (70.5%). Self-reported decisions and advice from an older person accounted for (64%) of reasons for early introduction of solid foods. Some factors had a relatively weak effect for example the presence of infantile colic and maternal age with the type of food introduced, while maternal education had a significant impact on the choice of solid food introduced. Our study concludes that a number of maternal and infantile demographic and medical characteristics interact and impact the decision to introduce solid foods earlier than 6 months of age. Most mothers were low income married urban housewives younger than 18 years old. Half of these mothers live in extended families. There was an uneven distribution among educated and illiterate mothers.
Authors and Affiliations
Sijal Fadhil Farhood Makki
Keywords
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