अमूर्त

Influencing factors on early complementary feeding and its health consequences on Omani infants: A research study

Muna ALMashaiki, Muna Bait Saad,Najla Al-Subhi,Dr. Ada Estephania B. Bonina, Jo-Ann Tubo

Introduction: A descriptive quantitative study conducted in Oman to explore the causative factors of early complementary feeding and its health consequences in particular gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders.

Method: A total of 450 Omani mothers of a healthy baby were selected using convenient sampling from Ministry of Health primary health centres located in Muscat Governorate. Data collected using a structured questionnaire, including closed and open questions. The data analyzed using statistical software SPSS (statistical package for the social science) version 23. T-test was used to analyze the data and to compare the means of quantitative data and chi-square/regression analysis to identify the relationship between the factors.

Results: A 66% (279) of questionnaires were completed and returned. 67.5% of the participants started supplementary feed in the first three months of life. Excessive child cry identified by the mother as the most factor insists them to start the early supplementary feed. There is no significant relationship between early feeding and infant common sickness and admission.

Conclusion: Common factors affecting Omani mothers to start early complementary feeding are; crying vigorously, mother assumption that breast milk is not sufficient milk and working mother. There is no significant relationship between early complementary-fed infant and commonly reported disease.