BREAST FEEDING AND THE WEANING PRACTICES IN TERMS OF AGE AND METHODOLOGY OF WEANING INCLUDING THE AGE OF ADMINISTRATION OF ALTERNATIVE FEEDING

Ekram A. Eldoom*, Adam A. Mater and Elfatih E. M. Abdelraheem

ABSTRACT

Breastfeeding and weaning have been a universally accepted practice. Due to awareness in urban areas breastfeeding and weaning are practiced by almost all mothers whereas mothers in rural areas practice lesser. This might be due to varied factors like female literacy, low awareness etc. The survey clusters were selected based on the standard selection method. A study on feeding and weaning practices was carried out in a random sample of 446 household. It was revealed that health status of lactating mothers, malnourishment, environmental insanitation and lack of education in the area of childcare affected the feeding practices among rural women of Kassala district. However, prevalence of superstition was quite common in Kassala district irrespective of education and other related factors. Exclusive breastfeeding before the age of six months was found to be at 71%, however, 48% of children were reported given less fluids, less food, fluids only or nothing during episodes of diarrhoea. Food diversity in the age group six month and more was found to be zero per cent as no child was found to have more than four meal groups per day. Knowledge and behaviour of care takers are exclusively low manifested by the low breastfeeding or food intake during episodes of diarrhoea.

Keywords: Breastfeeding and weaning have been a universally accepted practice.