Caregivers Adherence to the WHO Breastfeeding Guideline and Nutritional Status of Children under Five Years in Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to assess feeding practices and nutritional status of children under five years. The study also examined caregivers’ adherence to the WHO breastfeeding and introduction of solid foods and semi-solid foods at six months guidelines and the nutritional status of children under five years in the Northern Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey with cross sectional design was employed with the use of multi stage sampling technique at Child Welfare Clinics to obtain 495 caregivers-child pairs for the study. A structured questionnaire was employed to obtain the primary data and charts, tables, texts were employed to present the primary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analysing data and the results presented in charts and tables. Overall, 25.3% of 495 infants had been exclusively breastfed for 6 months. There was a significant relationship between caregivers educational level and adherence to breastfeeding guidelines (P=0.004). From the results, 30.7% of the children were underweight, 20.2% of them being wasted and 43.0% and 8.7% respectively being stunted and overweight. Intensive health education by health workers should be done to improve good nutrition in the study areas.

Keywords: Caregivers, Adherence, Breastfeeding, Guidelines and Nutrition

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/86-08

Publication date: April 30^th 2019