COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG 6-23 MONTH OLD CHILDIREN IN ARBA MINCH

Abstract

Introduction: A child's growth relies on proper infant and young child feeding (IYCF), including appropriate complementary feeding. Despite Ethiopia's strides in improving IYCF, significant gaps persist among children aged 6–23 months. Localized studies are crucial to uncover specific factors and barriers. Objective: To assess complementary feeding practice and associated factors among children 6-23 months in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site, Southern Ethiopia, 2024. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted from August 1 to 30, 2024. Appropriate complementary feeding is quantified using a composite indicator comprising three of the WHO core IYCF indicators these are the timely introduction of solid complementary feeding, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum meal frequency. Binary logistic regression identified associations between variables. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was conducted. Qualitative data taken from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews by purposive sampling from mothers, and then transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed. Results: The study included 423 children paired with their mothers, achieving a 100% response rate. Approximately one-fifth (21.5%) (95% CI: 17.5–25.3) of the children received appropriate complementary feeding. Despite 93.6% (95% CI: 91.3-95.5) of children meeting the minimum meal frequency, only 24.1% (19.5-28.1) achieved minimum dietary diversity, and, 22.7% (18.8-26.9) met the minimum adequate diet. Appropriate complementary feeding was significantly associated with mothers being government-employed (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.05, 7.5), having a family size of fewer than five members (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.6, 5.2), tertiary maternal education (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 12.5), and a high wealth index (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.8, 8.2). Barriers to appropriate complementary feeding included maternal knowledge gaps, cultural misconceptions, heavy maternal workload, socioeconomic challenges, distance from health posts, and lack of support from husbands. Conclusion: Only one in five children received appropriate complementary feeding. Factors promoting appropriate feeding the study included maternal education, smaller families, wealth, and employment, while barriers included knowledge gaps, heavy workloads, socio economic challenges, and limited family support. Community-based training and workshops can address maternal knowledge gaps, challenge cultural beliefs, and engage fathers in child nutrition decisions while promoting intersectoral collaboration