Complementary feeding practices: determinants of dietary diversity and meal frequency among children aged 6–23 months in Southern Benin

Irene Medeme Mitchodigni (), Waliou Amoussa Hounkpatin, Gervais Ntandou-Bouzitou, Hermane Avohou, Celine Termote, Gina Kennedy and D. Joseph Hounhouigan
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Irene Medeme Mitchodigni: University of Abomey-Calavi
Waliou Amoussa Hounkpatin: University of Abomey-Calavi
Gervais Ntandou-Bouzitou: Bioversity International
Hermane Avohou: University of Abomey-Calavi
Celine Termote: Bioversity International
Gina Kennedy: Bioversity International
D. Joseph Hounhouigan: University of Abomey-Calavi

Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, 2017, vol. 9, issue 5, No 15, 1117-1130

Abstract: Abstract Poor complementary feeding practices have detrimental effects on child growth, development and survival. This cross-sectional study in rural areas of southern Benin examined some determinants of complementary feeding practices using socioeconomic and dietary data collected among 1225 primary caregivers. Determinants of complementary feeding practices in the study areas are multidimensional and include many interacting factors such as socio-economic aspects, farming practices, household demographics, cultural practices and geography. Child age, diversity of food groups produced, income allocated to feeding, commune of residence, ethnicity, caregivers’ occupation, marital status and household size were identified as the main factors affecting complementary feeding practices. Food group diversification in farm-systems and overall social behavior and support as well as women’s empowerment are necessary to improve children’s diets. Reducing women’s workload through improved working conditions appears crucial to decrease time burdens and allow more time for child care. Multisectoral interventions should be embraced to improve complementary feeding practices in Benin.

Keywords: Complementary feeding practices; Dietary diversity; Meal frequency; Diversity of food group produced; Gender; Benin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1007/s12571-017-0722-y

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