The experiences of mothers and caregivers on feeding practices of children under the age of five years with undernutrition in Oshikoto region, Namibia

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition in children under the age of five years is prevalent in the developing countries which increase the risk of morbidity and mortality among such age group. Lack of information related to nutrition and feeding practices as well as other factors such as employment and pressure from family and community members cause mothers and caregivers of children under the age of five years to use inappropriate methods of feeding which contribute to undernutrition. Purpose: The aim of this article is to relate the experiences of mothers and caregivers on feeding practices of children under the age of five years in Oshikoto region, Namibia. Methods: A qualitative study design was utilized to explore and describe the experiences of mothers and caregivers on feeding practices of children under the age of five years. The study population comprised of mothers and caregivers of children diagnosed with undernutrition either severe or moderate, admitted in pediatric units or registered on Nutritional Assessment Counseling and Support programme. A purposive sampling was used to select participants and a total number of fifteen mothers/caregivers were interviewed. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Tesch steps. Results: The study revealed that mothers and caregivers experienced lack of information related to nutrition and feeding practices and other contextual constraints which resulted in the utilization of suboptimal feeding practices of children under the age of five years. Conclusions: Due to challenges experienced by mothers and caregivers, they need to be empowered with knowledge on nutrition and feeding practices of children under the age of five years.

The status of research on malnutrition among children under 5 years in Southern Africa: a systematic review

“…21 In a Namibian study entitled "Factors contributing to the development of undernutrition in children under the age of 5 years in Oshikoto Region" concluded that poor feeding practices, household food insecurity, and financial difficulties have greatly impacted the nutritional status of children under the age of 5 years. 22 A study conducted in Zambia highlighted the important aspects concerning risk factors that are associated with severe malnutrition in children with disabilities in low middle income countries (LMIC). It is reported that the risk factors for severe malnutrition among children with Cerebral Palsy are more related to the severity of the condition and caring practices.…”

“…34 Sanitation and hygiene practices can make significant differences in halting the cycle of infectious diseases and undernutrition. 22 It is however observed that sanitation in relation to malnutrition is under researched.…”

Nutritional knowledge and practices of mothers with malnourished children at a regional hospital in northeast Namibia

“…Most of the studies that were done on mothers’ knowledge in terms of nutrition assessed the factors associated with malnutrition among children under the age of five years old, 14 and factors associated with undernutrition in the same study population. 7 Although studies have been done in Namibia on the knowledge and practices of mothers on nutrition, these only covered the Oshikoto region, 15 while Ashipala et al and Nangolo concentrated on exclusive breastfeeding in the northern east and Khomas regions respectively. 11 , 16 One of these studies revealed that the majority of mothers with malnourished children were uneducated and thus they had no knowledge of how to take care of their children.…”

Women empowerment and its relationship with wealth index and COVID-19 prevention

“…Women on the frontlines are immensely proud [7]. However, women empowerment issues are still lack in government strategies to control COVID-19 and improve family well-being [8].…”