The DHS Program

Introducing Complementary Foods to Infants in Central Mali (English) 

Document Type

Qualitative Research Studies

Publication Topic(s)

Nutrition

Country(s)

Mali

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Castle, Sarah, P. Stanley Yoder, and Mamadou Kani Konaté. 2001. Introducing Complementary Food to Infants in Central Mali. DHS Qualitative Research Studies No. 3. Calverton, Maryland, USA: ORC Macro.

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Publication Date

October 2001

Publication ID

QRS3

Abstract:

This study examined how mothers of malnourished and well nourished babies 3-12 months old in four sites north of Mopti breast fed their children and introduced complementary foods into their diet. Through structured observations of 76 mothers caring for their children, and open-ended interviews with the mothers, the field workers collected data on the introduction of complementary food. The study found that children were given water and traditional medicine nearly from birth, and that mothers of malnourished children introduced complementary foods earlier than mothers of those who were well nourished.