Comparison of infant-feeding practices in two health subdistricts with different baby-friendly status in Mpumalanga province

  • Susara Maria van der Merwe Mpumalanga Department of Health
  • Lisanne du Plessis Stellenbosch University
  • Hendrik Jooste National Institute for Higher Education
  • Daan Nel Stellenbosch University
Keywords: infant-feeding practices, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, BFHI, Emalahleni, Mbombela

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to compare the infant-feeding practices of two subdistricts with different baby-friendly status in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study with an analytical component. Eighteen fieldworkers assisted with the data collection, utilising two sets of interviewer-administered questionnaires – one on socio-demographic information and the other on infantfeeding practices. Subjects: Mothers with infants from birth to six months old, attending postnatal care at public sector primary health care facilities in Emalahleni and Mbombela health subdistricts on the days of data collection were included. A total of 435 mother and infant pairs were included in the study. Outcome measures: Five infant-feeding indicators were used, namely the early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive replacement feeding and mixed feeding rates, as well as the age at which complementary food was introduced. Results: There was a significantly higher early initiation of breastfeeding (57% vs. 43%), exclusive breastfeeding rates (60% vs 48%), and a lower exclusive replacement feeding rate (18% vs. 33%) in Emalahleni subdistrict, where all the public sector maternity facilities are accredited as being baby friendly, compared to that in Mbombela subdistrict, where none of the public sector maternity facilities are baby friendly. The mixed feeding rate (19% vs. 15%) and the mean age of the introduction of complementary foods (50 days versus 35 days) did not differ significantly between the two subdistricts. Conclusion: Implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in a health subdistrict was associated with more optimal infant feeding practices in mothers with infants aged six months and younger. It is concluded that strengthening practices prescribed within the BFHI would improve infant-feeding practices at community level.

Author Biographies

Susara Maria van der Merwe, Mpumalanga Department of Health
MNutrition Deputy Director Integrated Nutrition Programme Mpumalanga Department of Health
Lisanne du Plessis, Stellenbosch University
MNutrition Senior lecturer Division of Human Nutrition Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University
Hendrik Jooste, National Institute for Higher Education
DTech, LLB Manager Projects and Research National Institute of Higher Education
Daan Nel, Stellenbosch University
Head Statistician Department of Statistics and Actuary Sciences Stellenbosch University
Published
2015-07-25
How to Cite
van der Merwe, S., du Plessis, L., Jooste, H., & Nel, D. (2015). Comparison of infant-feeding practices in two health subdistricts with different baby-friendly status in Mpumalanga province. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 28(3), 121-127. Retrieved from http://sajcn.redbricklibrary.com/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/884
Section
Original Research