Dietary practices and social attitudes trend of infants, who attended Misurata Medical Centre

Salem Balla Mustafa Elwahashi; Suzan Kamal Murad; Abdalla Ramadan Elgenaidi; Maryam Ismail; Ayman Balla Mustafa

doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20241219080847

Abstract
Introduction: Since baby eating habits may affect later health outcomes, they may be especially important as early as the first six months of life. It was conducted to evaluate feeding practices and social attitudes regarding nutrition care during infancy. Methods: This hospital-based cross-section study was conducted on 226 infants were randomly selected who visited Misurata Medical Centre (MMC) from January to June 2022. Well-structured questionnaire was used according to study purpose. The demographic peculiarities and dietary practices were investigated. Pearson Correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between variables. Result: The majority of participants were fall within age group (1-3 months). 13% of participants classified with low birth weight. 59% of participants were introduced complementary food before 4 months of age. Where 73% of participants were practice partial breastfeeding before 4 months after birth. The results revealed that a significant variation (p≤0.05) of duration of exclusive breastfeeding, introduction of complementary food, types of formula and preservation of feeding bottle after session. A significant correlation (p≤0.05) of breast feeding continuation versus infant age (r=0.290), while a significant correlation (p≤0.05) of formula feeding versus immunization status (r=0.257) and use of nutritional supplement (r=0.142). Conclusion: The nutrition risk factor will be threatening infant health unless maternal must be aware about exclusive breastfeeding essentiality, how to keep feeding bottle to be safe and hygiene. The appropriate nutrition education program must be implemented among maternal that to encourage breast feeding, reduce morbidity rate during infancy.

Key words: Complementary Feeding; Dietary Assessment; Infants, Misurata; Nutrition.