Assessing Factors Affecting the Feeding Practices of Mothers of Infacts 0-6 Months in Kibera Estate Attending Lang'ata Health Centre.

Abstract

The study was carried out in Kibera Estate, Nairobi Kenya with an objective to assess the factors affecting the feeding practices of mothers of infants zero to six (0-6) months.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to collect data through a quantitative approach. A total of 300 mothers of infants six months old and below were interviewed.

Results: The study revealed that 89.3% of the sample lived in the urban informal settlements and average household size was 5 members per household, 78.3% were unemployed, 54.6% had little or no education, 40.3% were 25 years and above while 24.7% were 18 years or less. 37.7% were married. About 49.3% of infants were fed on breast milk while 50.7% received cow’s or formula milk. Mixed feeding was widely practiced with largely formula milk, porridge or gruel and herbal drinks. Discarding colostrums, giving pre-lacteal feeds, introduction of other foods too early were some of the common practices noted among the mothers.

Conclusions: The study concluded that not all infants aged zero to six months are exclusively breastfed, social-demographic factors have a significant effect on infant feeding practices and culture is significantly related to infant feeding practices.