Assessing breastfeeding and complimentary feeding practices during COVID-19.
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Date
21-08-11
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Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Breast feeding, Nutrition and COVID-19