The study was conducted in Sinam VDC of Taplejung district of Nepal. It is descriptive cross sectional study.
The data collection methods were used for this study was semi structure questionnaire to assess practice and structured guideline for Focussed Group Discussion to understand the beliefs and taboos on weaning in the area.
Results:
A total of 120 mothers with children aged between 3 month to around 3 years were included to assess the weaning practice of which 49.2% were below 1 year, 35% were within 2 years of age, 14.2% less than or of 3 years of age, 1.7% were above 3 years.52.5% of children were male and 47.5% were female.33.3% of families had 2 children and 15.8% of families had 5 children. Majority of them belonged to Janajati(35%) which was predominant ethnic group. Majority of respondents belonged to Hindu religion (66.7%) 34.7% of respondents had primary level of education. There is significant relationship between mother’s education and weaning practice in the study. Farming (25%) and foreign employment (51.7%) were major source of income and occupations followed in the area.
90.8% belonged to middle class in the wealth index. Calculations showed that there is positive association between income range and weaning practice.47.5% of mothers introduced weaning foods before 6 months of age of infants, 40% after 6 months and 12.5% before 1 month.
Most common types of weaning foods in this study area were sarbottam pitho(81.8%) and khole (47.1) with rice as a staple diet.85.83% of respondents still breastfed their child along with complementary feeding.14.17% of them expressed their view that breast milk was not sufficient and not required after certain age.75% of respondents were conscious enough to do night feeding to the baby and remaining 25% were reluctant to the practice.58.3% of respondents had the knowledge on need of sterilization of feeding equipment.72.5% of them had appropriate weaning practice.
Focused group discussion on beliefs and taboos revealed that 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. Children were being fed three or more meals daily for reasons of hunger and satiety, stomach capacity and adequate growth. Traditional/cultural food preparation beliefs/practices were still adhered to.However, some participants thought that some of these practices were old fashioned and needs change.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Summary/Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this study was to assess weaning practices, beliefs, and taboos among mothers in Sinam VDC, Taplejung District, Nepal. The study aimed to understand the relationship between these factors and child nutrition.
- Weaning practices in Sinam VDC
- Beliefs and taboos surrounding weaning
- Influence of socio-economic factors on weaning practices
- Relationship between weaning practices and child nutrition
- Comparison of weaning practices with WHO recommendations
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Summary/Abstract: This study, conducted in Sinam VDC of Taplejung, Nepal, used a descriptive cross-sectional design to analyze the relationship between independent and dependent variables related to weaning practices. Data collection involved semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). Key findings included the age of weaning food introduction, prevalent weaning foods (sarbottam pitho and khole), breastfeeding practices alongside complementary feeding, and the influence of cultural factors and taboos on feeding practices. The study also explored the relationships between mothers' education, income, and weaning practices.
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by highlighting the significant global burden of child malnutrition, particularly in South Asia and Nepal. It emphasizes the crucial role of infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding, in child health. The chapter introduces the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and the importance of timely and adequate complementary feeding thereafter. The concept of weaning is defined, and the controversies surrounding its initiation and methods are discussed, emphasizing the ideal age of six months and the characteristics of desirable weaning foods. The chapter differentiates between natural and planned weaning.
Methods: This chapter details the study design, a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches using a cross-sectional, descriptive study. It outlines the quantitative methods used to assess weaning practices and describes the qualitative data collection through FGDs. The study duration (one month, November-December 2013) is specified, along with the study population (mothers with children aged 3 months to 3 years in Sinam VDC). The chapter also mentions the sampling process, though the details are incomplete in the provided text.
Results: This chapter presents the findings of the study. It details the demographics of the participants (age of children, gender, family size, ethnicity, religion, education, and income). Key findings regarding weaning practices are presented, including the age of introduction of weaning foods, the types of weaning foods used, the prevalence of breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding, and attitudes towards night feeding and sterilization of feeding equipment. The results from the FGDs regarding beliefs and taboos are summarized, highlighting the influence of cultural factors on feeding practices.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Weaning practices, complementary feeding, breastfeeding, child malnutrition, Nepal, cultural beliefs, taboos, socio-economic factors, infant feeding, maternal education, WHO recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study on Weaning Practices in Sinam VDC, Nepal
What is the main focus of this study?
This study investigates weaning practices, beliefs, and taboos among mothers in Sinam VDC, Taplejung District, Nepal, and their relationship to child nutrition. It compares these practices to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
What methods were used in this study?
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, combining quantitative methods (assessing weaning practices through questionnaires) and qualitative methods (focus group discussions, or FGDs, to explore beliefs and taboos). The study was conducted over one month (November-December 2013).
What is the study population?
The study population consisted of mothers with children aged 3 months to 3 years in Sinam VDC, Nepal. Specific sampling details are not fully provided in this preview.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include: weaning practices in Sinam VDC; beliefs and taboos surrounding weaning; the influence of socio-economic factors on weaning practices; the relationship between weaning practices and child nutrition; and a comparison of local weaning practices with WHO recommendations.
What are some of the key findings (as presented in the chapter summaries)?
Key findings include the age of weaning food introduction, the types of weaning foods used (such as sarbottam pitho and khole), breastfeeding practices alongside complementary feeding, the influence of cultural factors and taboos on feeding practices, and the relationships between mothers' education, income, and weaning practices. The results also reflect demographic data of participants (age of children, gender, family size, ethnicity, religion, education, and income).
What are the key takeaways from the introduction chapter?
The introduction highlights the global burden of child malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of proper infant feeding practices (breastfeeding and complementary feeding) and aligning with WHO guidelines regarding exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the timely introduction of appropriate complementary foods thereafter. It also defines weaning and discusses the controversies surrounding its initiation and methods.
What information is provided in the results chapter?
The results chapter presents the demographic data of participants and details key findings regarding weaning practices. This includes the age of introduction of weaning foods, the types of foods used, the prevalence of breastfeeding with complementary feeding, attitudes towards night feeding and equipment sterilization, and summaries of findings from focus group discussions regarding beliefs and taboos influencing feeding practices.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Weaning practices, complementary feeding, breastfeeding, child malnutrition, Nepal, cultural beliefs, taboos, socio-economic factors, infant feeding, maternal education, and WHO recommendations.
Where can I find more details about the study's methodology (sampling, etc.)?
The provided text preview does not contain complete details about the sampling process. Access to the full study would be required for this information.
What is the overall conclusion (as per the abstract/summary)?
The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design to analyze the relationship between variables related to weaning practices in Sinam VDC. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and FGDs. Key findings regarding the age of weaning food introduction, prevalent foods, breastfeeding practices, and the influence of cultural factors were identified, along with exploring relationships between mothers' education, income, and weaning practices.
- Quote paper
- Astha Siwakoti (Author), 2014, Weaning among mothers of children in Nepal. Practices, beliefs and taboos, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/276221
