Kassie Gizachew Ambaw, Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu, Gesese Molalegn Mesele, Chekol Abebe Endeshaw, Mengstie Misganaw Asmamaw, Seid Mohammed Abdu, Alebachew Bayih Wubet, Feleke Sefineh Fenta, Amare Tesfa Natnael, Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw, Bantie Berihun, Solomon Kebede Yenealem, Zemene Melkamu Aderajew, Mengist Dessie Anteneh, Anley Denekew Tenaw, Asmare Adella Getachew
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
School of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
SAGE Open Med. 2023 Aug 24;11:20503121231195416. doi: 10.1177/20503121231195416. eCollection 2023.
Complementary feeding is an important stage in a child's development as it provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. However, improper handling, storage, and preparation of complementary foods can result in contamination by microorganisms, leading to foodborne illnesses and malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine hygienic practices during complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia.
A community-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months from December 1-30, 2022. A total of 602 participants were recruited using a simple random sampling procedure. The hygienic practice of complementary feeding was assessed based on a related seven items questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha 0.72). Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 26. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the statistically significant factors associated with proper hygienic practice of complementary feeding. Variables with a -value of <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis model were considered statistically significant.
The study indicated that 42.0%, (95% confidence interval (CI): 38, 45.8) of the mothers/caregivers of children aged 6-24 months had proper hygienic practices during complementary feeding. Mothers who could read and write (adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 3.36, 95% CI (1.53, 7.41)) and those who had completed primary school (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI (1.02, 2.85)), media exposure (AOR: 3.38, 95% CI (2.1, 5.4)), and attitude toward hygienic practice (AOR: 3.29, 95% CI (2.2, 4.91)) were independent predictors of hygiene practices during complementary feeding.
This study found that the prevalence of hygiene practices during complementary feeding was relatively low. Being educated, access to media, and positive attitudes toward hygienic practices were predicting factors. As a result, strengthening training and counseling services for mothers regarding complementary feeding and processing is recommended.
辅食添加是儿童发育的一个重要阶段，因为它为最佳生长发育提供了必要的营养。然而，辅食的不当处理、储存和制备可能导致微生物污染，从而引发食源性疾病和营养不良。因此，本研究旨在确定埃塞俄比亚南部沃莱塔索多镇6至24个月儿童的母亲在辅食添加过程中的卫生习惯及相关因素。
2022年12月1日至30日，在6至24个月儿童的母亲/照顾者中开展了一项基于社区的横断面研究。采用简单随机抽样程序共招募了602名参与者。基于一份相关的七项问卷（克朗巴哈系数α为0.72）对辅食添加的卫生习惯进行评估。数据录入Epi - data 4.6版本，并使用社会科学统计软件包26版进行分析。多变量二元逻辑回归用于确定与辅食添加卫生习惯良好相关的统计学显著因素。在多变量逻辑回归分析模型中，P值<0.05的变量被认为具有统计学显著性。
研究表明，6至24个月儿童的母亲/照顾者中，42.0%（95%置信区间（CI）：38，45.8）在辅食添加过程中有良好的卫生习惯。识字的母亲（调整后比值比（AOR）：3.36，9%置信区间（1.53，7.41））、完成小学教育的母亲（AOR：1.7，95%置信区间（1.02，2.85））、接触媒体（AOR：3.38，95%置信区间（2.1，5.4））以及对卫生习惯的态度（AOR：3.29，95%置信区间（2.2，4.91））是辅食添加过程中卫生习惯的独立预测因素。
本研究发现辅食添加过程中卫生习惯的普及率相对较低。受教育程度、接触媒体以及对卫生习惯的积极态度是预测因素。因此，建议加强对母亲关于辅食添加和加工的培训及咨询服务。
