Bandara T, Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C, Amarasena S
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka.
J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015 Aug;28(4):366-74. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12253. Epub 2014 Jun 30.
Sri Lanka has made remarkable improvements in health, social and educational indices. However, child malnutrition exists as a significant health problem. Infant feeding indicators have not reached expected levels and improvements are partly constrained by a lack of data. The present study aimed to determine current infant feeding practices and their impact on growth among 6-12-month-old infants.
The study comprised a descriptive cross-sectional investigation conducted in randomly selected (n = 7) Public Health Midwife areas in Galle, Sri Lanka. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on sociodemographics and infant feeding. Mothers (n = 515) attending well-baby clinics were recruited on voluntary and consecutive basis. Infants' body weights and lengths were measured using standard procedures.
Exclusive breastfeeding rate for first 6 months was 49.0%. In total, 42.6% infants (219 out of 515) were given rice as first weaning food, followed by salt (58.6%) and sugar (42.3%). Oil had been introduced to 84.9% of infants by the end of 12 months. Most infants (over 71%) were given dairy products, whereas 62.3% were being fed various liquid foods using bottles. The introduction of commercial infant cereals, chocolates, plain tea, ice cream and deep fried snacks was noted. Age-specific body weight and length were not achieved by 30.5% and 29.5% of infants, respectively. Weight for length was not achieved by 25.5% of the infants. Delayed achievements of motor milestones were observed. Mothers' knowledge scores on basic nutrients were low.
Complementary feeding indices of the study group were not satisfactory. Maternal and child healthcare personnel need to identify causative factors for inappropriate feeding with a view to improve the complementary feeding patterns.
斯里兰卡在健康、社会和教育指标方面取得了显著进步。然而，儿童营养不良仍是一个严重的健康问题。婴儿喂养指标未达到预期水平，且由于缺乏数据，进展受到一定限制。本研究旨在确定6至12个月大婴儿当前的喂养方式及其对生长的影响。
该研究包括在斯里兰卡加勒随机选择的7个公共卫生助产士区域进行的描述性横断面调查。通过访谈员管理的问卷收集社会人口统计学和婴儿喂养数据。连续自愿招募到母婴健康诊所就诊的母亲（n = 515）。使用标准程序测量婴儿的体重和身长。
前6个月纯母乳喂养率为49.0%。共有42.6%的婴儿（515名中的219名）以大米作为首次辅食，其次是盐（58.6%）和糖（42.3%）。到12个月末，84.9%的婴儿已添加食用油。大多数婴儿（超过71%）食用乳制品，而62.3%的婴儿使用奶瓶喂养各种流质食物。还注意到有婴儿开始食用商业婴儿谷物、巧克力、清茶、冰淇淋和油炸零食。分别有30.5%和29.5%的婴儿未达到特定年龄的体重和身长标准。25.5%的婴儿身长体重比未达标。观察到运动发育里程碑延迟。母亲对基本营养素的知识得分较低。
研究组的辅食喂养指标不尽人意。母婴保健人员需要确定不当喂养的原因，以改善辅食喂养模式。
