Nutrition

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Browsing Nutrition by Subject "Breast feeding, Nutrition and COVID-19"

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    Assessing breastfeeding and complimentary feeding practices during COVID-19.
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 21-08-11) Phuka, John
    Study type: Mixed methods cross-sectional study Problem: The corona virus disease (COVID-19) has had severe consequences on the social aspects of human interaction. Particularly, measures aimed at deterring the spread of disease such as social distancing and wearing of masks have likely hindered infant and young child feeding and care practices including breast feeding, child and mother interaction as well as family or community participatory support. Breast feeding is essential for children’s optimal physical and cognitive growth, especially in settings highly burdened with malnutrition. Monitoring of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices during the pandemic is critical to ensure that women can continue to breastfeed their children safely and mitigate the risks of malnutrition. However, care practices of infants and children in the context of pandemic have not been well studied. Therefore, this study aims to pilot our modified questionnaire on breastfeeding knowledge and practices as well as obtain essential data on infant and young child feeding practices Methodology: The study will recruit 415 participants from Nkhata Bay and Lilongwe. Enumeration areas will be randomly selected from each district, thereafter households with children aged 0-24 months will be identified through community leaders and health surveillance officers. Data will be collected from mothers or care givers of children through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. Expected results and dissemination: Study outcomes may inform national nutrition programming, the global maternal nutrition reports and other key advocacy reports on exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding practices during the pandemic. The findings of this research will be presented to United National Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), DNHA, Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders. A completed final report of the study will be submitted to UNICEF, DNHA, COMREC and MoH.