Journal Article

Social circumstances and cultural beliefs influence maternal nutrition, breastfeeding and child feeding practices in South Africa

Chakona, Gamuchirai

2020

Overview

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.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,BioMed Central Ltd,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome / adverse effects / Age / AIDS / Babies / Breast feeding / Breastfeeding / Breastfeeding & lactation / Caregivers / child growth / child nutrition / Children / Children & youth / Childrens health / Clinical Nutrition / Cultural beliefs / Decision making / Developing countries / diet / Dietary diversity / Eating behavior / eating habits / Education / Essential nutrients / fathers / Focus groups / Food / Food habits / food purchasing / growth and development / Health Promotion and Disease Prevention / Households / Human nutrition / income / Indigenous knowledge / Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) / information / lactating women / LDCs / Low income groups / Malnutrition / maternal nutrition / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Mortality / Mothers / Nutrients / Nutrition / Paternal inclusion / questionnaires / Rural areas / rural communities / Social factors / Socioeconomic factors / South Africa / Traditional foods / Type 2 diabetes / Undernutrition / Womens health