Maternal breastfeeding and the characterization of feeding habits in early infancy: The experience of são tomé e príncipe [Aleitamento materno e caracterização dos hábitos alimentares na primeira infância: Experiência de são tomé e príncipe]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Silva, DE (Author) Other; Nobrega, L (Author) Other; Valente, A (Author) Other; Dias C (Author) FMUP; Almeida, F (Author) Other; Cruz, JL (Author) Other; Neves, E (Author) Other; Afonso, C (Author) Other; Antonio Guerra (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Revista Brasileira de Saude Materno Infantil

Vol. 14 No. 3

Pages: 269-277

ISSN: 1519-3829

Publisher: Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-WND

DOI: 10.1590/s1519-38292014000300008

Abstract (EN): Objectives: to evaluate breastfeeding and the frequency and diversification of feeding, in children in São Tomé e Príncipe (STP).Methods: the sample comprised 1,285 children. The protocol included the prevalence of exclusive (EMB) and total (TMB) maternal breastfeeding, the onset of nutritional diversification (ND) and a questionnaire on the frequency of feeding. The statistics were processed using SPSS®. The results were presented in terms of the total sample.Results: 45.5% of the babies were female and the mean age 26±18 months. 46.6% were given EMB up to the age of six months (mean 5±2). The mean for TMB was 12±7 months and the onset of ND at 6±3 months (median=6), with corn flour and fish soup being the first solid foods offered. 42% ate the same as the rest of the family at 7±3 months (median=6). High percentages of children never ingested cow¿s milk (74%) or yogurt (40%), in contrast to the high consumption of cooking oil (34%) and sugar (33%). The mean age for beginning to drink beer was 18±12 months and for beginning to drink palm wine 13±10 months.Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of EMB and early introduction of ND. Although nutritional resources are available, there is no adequate information or training on how to draw up a healthy eating plan for infants.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific