Social circumstances and cultural beliefs influence maternal nutrition, breastfeeding and child feeding practices in South Africa
Social circumstances and cultural beliefs influence maternal nutrition, breastfeeding and child feeding practices in South Africa
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DOI：
10.1186/s12937-020-00566-4
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发表时间：
2020-05-20
影响因子：
5.4
通讯作者：
Chakona, Gamuchirai
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Chakona, Gamuchirai
背景 在发展中国家，孕产妇和儿童营养不良仍然普遍存在，45% 和 11% 的儿童死亡分别与营养不良和母乳喂养不理想有关。这对儿童的生长发育也有不利影响。该研究确定了南非五个农村社区在文化信仰和社会方面的母亲饮食多样性、母乳喂养和婴幼儿喂养（IYCF）做法，并确定了此类行为的原因。方法本研究采用混合方法技术。对 84 个家庭进行了问卷调查，将母亲/照顾者和一名儿童（0-24 个月大）配对，以获取有关母亲饮食多样性、IYCF 和母乳喂养做法的信息。通过焦点小组讨论获得了关于母乳喂养认知、IYCF 实践、哺乳期母亲感知的饮食习惯以及与母亲对 IYCF 和母乳喂养实践的决定相关的文化信仰的定性数据。结果 母亲的饮食多样性非常低，出生后前 6 个月的纯母乳喂养很少，幼儿接触的饮食质量低劣，缺乏儿童生长发育必需的营养素。社会环境，包括缺乏收入、对食品购买的依赖、年轻母亲对母乳喂养的感受和文化信仰，是母亲饮食习惯、母乳喂养行为和 IYCF 实践的主要驱动因素。父亲在母乳喂养和 IYCF 决策中被排除在外，年轻母亲在准备食物（特别是传统食物）和喂养孩子时不愿意运用本土知识。结论 该研究提供了南非具体情况的全面信息，可用作对抗幼儿营养不良的干预措施。在母亲的收入、饮食多样性、文化信仰、母乳喂养和考虑哺乳期母亲的生活之间找到平衡点，让她们在母乳喂养和照顾孩子时不会感到负担和孤立是至关重要的。建议父亲参与母乳喂养决策并保护有关 IYCF 实践的土著知识。
Background Maternal and child undernutrition remain prevalent in developing countries with 45 and 11% of child deaths linked to poor nutrition and suboptimal breastfeeding, respectively. This also has adverse effects on child growth and development. The study determined maternal dietary diversity, breastfeeding and, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and identified reasons for such behavior in five rural communities in South Africa, in the context of cultural beliefs and social aspects. Methods The study used mixed methodology technique. Questionnaires were administered to 84 households, pairing mother/caregiver and a child (0-24 months old) to obtain information on maternal dietary diversity, IYCF and breastfeeding practices. Qualitative data on breastfeeding perceptions, IYCF practices, perceived eating habits for lactating mothers and cultural beliefs related to mothers' decision on IYCF and breastfeeding practices were obtained through focus group discussions. Results Maternal dietary diversity was very low and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life was rarely practiced, with young children exposed to poor-quality diets lacking essential nutrients for child growth and development. Social circumstances including lack of income, dependence on food purchasing, young mothers' feelings regarding breastfeeding and cultural beliefs were the major drivers of mothers' eating habits, breastfeeding behaviour and IYCF practices. Fathers were left out in breastfeeding and IYCF decision making and young mothers were unwilling to employ indigenous knowledge when preparing food (especially traditional foods) and feeding their children. Conclusion The study provides comprehensive information for South African context that can be used as an intervention measure to fight against malnutrition in young children. Finding a balance between mothers' income, dietary diversity, cultural beliefs, breastfeeding and considering life of lactating mothers so that they won't feel burdened and isolated when breastfeeding and taking care of their children is crucial. Paternal inclusion in breastfeeding decisions and safeguarding indigenous knowledge on IYCF practices is recommended.