Abstract

ZAPATA, María Elisa et al. Differences in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, according to basic WHO indicators, in children with different socio-demographic conditions of Rosario, Argentina. Diaeta [online]. 2015, vol.33, n.150, pp.12-20. ISSN 1852-7337.

Introduction. The World Health Organization has developed a set of basic indicators for assessing breastfeeding and feeding practices, in infants 0-23 months of age. The aim of this study was to assess the breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators in children younger than 24 months with different socio-demographic conditions in Rosario, Argentina. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two care centers (state and private) of Rosario City, Santa Fe. 400 children attending spontaneously at centers during the month of July 2012 were selected for evaluation. A general questionnaire was administered as well as a 24-hourreminder. The analysis was based on 381 infants, under 24 months (192 from state centers and 189 from private ones). The differences were evaluated by the Chi-square test. Results: Early breastfeeding initiation was 83,3 vs. 87,8% at state and private health center respectively; exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months was 79,1 vs. 46,7% (p<0,001); continued breastfeeding at 1 year of age was 29,4 vs. 38,9%; the introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods was 71,4 vs. 100% (p=0,012), the minimum dietary diversity was 45,3 vs. 70,7% (p<0,001); the minimum meal frequency was 74,5 vs. 98,0% (p<0,001); the minimum acceptable diet was 41,5 vs. 70,7% (p<0,001); and consumption of iron-rich or ironfortified foods was 66,0 vs. 93,9% (p<0,001). Conclusion: Differences in early care practices were observed in both populations. In general, exclusive breastfeeding was higher within the state sector and quality and diversity of complementary feeding were better in the private sector. These differences while complying indicators may be related to the socio demographic characteristics of the population attended in both centers, as well as the type of care, support to patients and information both health centers provide. Learning early child-care-practices better could contribute to actions for professional training and more effective health promotion.

Keywords : Practices; Breastfeeding; Complementary feeding; WHO indicators; Sociodemographic conditions.

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