| Early feeding practices and stunting in Rwandan children: a cross-sectional study from the 2010 Rwanda demographic and health survey |
| Authors: |
Etienne Nsereko, Assumpta Mukabutera, Damien Iyakaremye, Yves Didier Umwungerimwiza, Valens Mbarushimana, and Manassé Nzayirambaho |
| Source: |
Pan African Medical Journal, 29:157; DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2018.29.157.10151 |
| Topic(s): |
Child feeding
Child health
Nutrition
|
| Country: |
Africa
Rwanda
|
| Published: |
MAR 2018 |
| Abstract: |
Introduction: in Rwanda, despite different interventions to improve child nutrition status, malnutrition in children under five years of age continue to be a public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the factors that contribute to childhood stunting by assessing feeding practices of Rwandans in children = 2 years of age.
Methods: a cross-sectional study with data obtained from the 2010 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey was conducted on 1,634 children = 2 years of age with complete anthropometrical measurements. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between feeding practices and childhood stunting.
Results: the results revealed that 35.1% of 1,634 children were stunted. Breastfeeding for 1 year (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.91-4.01, P < 0.001) increased the risk of childhood stunting. After controlling for confounders, solid food initiation (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.47-3.16, P= 0.690) and early initiation to breastfeeding (OR = 1.16, CI = 0.90-1.51, P = 0.243) were not associated with childhood stunting.
Conclusion: there was a significant association between continued breastfeeding for 1 year and childhood stunting. We suggest supplementary feeding for children who are breastfed for =1 year. |
| Web: |
http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/29/157/pdf/157.pdf |
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