Perceptions on child feeding practices among mothers of children under five in Namibia: a qualitative study
Abstract
Background: In developing countries, sub-optimal child feeding is widespread and deprives children of critical nutrients to support rapid growth spurs in the early years, and this remains a challenge to their growth and development. The study aimed to explore the perceptions towards child feeding of mothers of children aged under five years in Namibia.
Methods: The study utilised a qualitative approach to obtain the perceptions of mothers of children under five years towards child feeding practices. Data were collected using focus-group discussions and in-depth face-to-face interviews with mothers/caregivers of children under five residing in four urban and peri-urban areas of Namibia.
Results: The study revealed that mothers had varied perceptions concerning child feeding practices that were not consistent with the recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. The mothers’ perceptions of child feeding were influenced by their social networks and family support systems, social media, and traditional beliefs and practices. The perceived key enablers to appropriate IYCF included the provision of special rooms and nutritious diets to breastfeeding mothers, social media, and social network and family support systems. The perceived constraints to appropriate IYCF included, financial challenges, limited family support, single motherhood, negative traditional beliefs and practices, and inadequate access to information.
Conclusions: Improving child feeding practices necessitates strengthening support groups to encourage peer-to-peer learning, capacity building of mothers, health providers, and their support networks on IYCF, and provision of income-generating activities. The formulation of a nutrition-strategic framework with community-tailored and culturally sensitive interventions has the potential to streamline intervention implementation and contribute to positive nutrition outcomes.
Keywords: child feeding, perceptions, qualitative, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, Namibia
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