DETERMINANTS OF TIMELY INITIATION OF COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING AMONG MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN AGES 6 TO 24 MONTHS AT BANADIR HOSPITAL IN WADAJIR DISTRICT, SOMALIA

Abstract

Inadequate and inappropriate complementary feeding contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in young children living in low-income households. Before the age of six months, the early or late introduction of complementary feeds can cause displacement of breast milk and an increased risk of infections such as diarrhoea, which contributes to weight loss and malnutrition. As a result, the objective of this study is to identify the determinants that influence the timely initiation of complementary feeding among mothers with children aged 6 to 24 months who visit Banadir hospital.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Banadir hospital. The study was conducted on 92 mothers and caregivers with young children aged six months to 2 years, using a non-probability convenient sampling method and a questionnaire to collect data. SPSS statistical software version 20 was used to conduct the analysis. 97.8% of the participants had a normal delivery during childbirth, while 2.2% of the participants had a cesarian section (C-section). The majority of those who took part in the study had regular deliveries. The researchers recommend that all visitors, mothers, and parents to MCHs and other antenatal care (ANC) service centres be counselled on infant and young child feeding practices in order to increase their awareness of feeding issues.