A qualitative exploration of rural feeding and weaning practices, knowledge and attitudes on nutrition

Abstract

Aim: An exploratory qualitative investigation was done to determine the feeding and weaning practices, knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition of mothers/caregivers of children up to 3 years old attending baby clinics in the Moretele district (South Africa). Methodology: Qualitative data collection on six relevant nutrition topics was done using focus group interviews. Trained moderators, using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule, interviewed participants in six age groups. Focus group interviews were taped, transcribed and translated. Content analysis produced systematic data descriptions and ethnography provided descriptive data. Results: Breast-feeding was the choice feed and bottle-feeding was only given when breast-feeding was impossible. Solid food was introduced early (at 2-3 months) and a mixed family diet at 7-9 months. Milk feeds were stopped completely from 18-24 months. Weaning diets were compromised due to poor food choices, preparation practices and limited variety. The participant's nutrition knowledge regarding specific foods, their functions and recommended quantities was poor. The women adhered to their cultural beliefs regarding food choices and preparation practices. Conclusion: The data analysis revealed that inadequate nutrition knowledge and adherence to cultural practices lead to poor-quality feeding practices. Cultural factors and taboos have a powerful influence on feeding practices and eating patterns. Young mothers often find it impossible to ignore their ill-informed elders or peer group. Nutrition knowledge needs to be changed in a first step towards implementing improved feeding practices. Facilitated group discussions could focus on possible solutions for the identified nutrition-related problems. Keywords Qualitative methodology Childhood feeding practices Nutrition knowledge Attitudes WeaningChronic malnutrition is a common phenomenon in developing countries such as South Africa 1,2 . Steyn et al. reported that the problem found in black pre-school children is one of chronic malnutrition, caused by a diet low in energy over a long period of timeThere is a paucity of data in the literature (also in the South African context) on breast-feeding and weaning practices and the eating habits of children shortly after weaning (age 6-36 months) 4 . Poor infant feeding and weaning practices 1,4,5 (food shortages and imbalances) can lead to stunted growth, delayed motor and mental development, immune incompetence, frequent attacks of diarrhoeal disease, macro-and micronutrient deficiencies and, most importantly, interference with the realisation of full human potential 2,4,6,7 . The research reported in the present paper was done (1996 -1997) to obtain baseline data on the nutritional practices of a rural community. The feeding and weaning practices, nutrition knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition of mothers/caregivers of children (aged 0-36 months) attending the baby clinic in two non-urban areas (Mathibestad and Makapandstad) of Moretele district (in the Hammanskra...

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