Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status among Children Aged from Six to 23 Months in Western Province, Rwanda: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Rwandan children's nutritional status is characterized by higher undernutrition rates. Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) have a direct impact on how well-nourished youngsters under two years old are.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess feeding practices and nutritional status among children aged six to 23 months in Nyabihu district.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 164 households having children aged six to 23 months in December 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect infants' and young children's feeding practices. Using SPSS version 20.0, data were entered and analysed. Binary logistic regression was utilized to identify association between feeding practices and nutritional status.

RESULTS

Breastfeeding initiation within the first hour of life was 94.5%, and exclusive breastfeeding was 79.9%. Complementary foods were given timely to 73.2% of children, 47.6% had minimum meal frequency (MMF), 23.2% had minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and 15.9% were fed a minimally acceptable diet (MAD). However, 4.3% of children were wasted, 6.7% were underweight, and 23.2% were stunted. There was no significant association when variables were passed to a binary logistic regression-adjusted model.

CONCLUSION

Complementary feeding practices remain suboptimal. These practices should be improved to sustain children's nutritional status.