Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society
Year 2018, Volume 30, Issue 2, Pages 47-53
https://doi.org/10.26715/jbms.2_30082018Amal Abbas1, Batool Al Nawah1, Fatema Makhlooq1, Zainab Hubail1, Amani Al Hajeri2*
1Family Physician, Ministry of Health, Juffair, Kingdom of Bahrain.
2Consultant Family Physician, Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Head of Genetic Department, Salmaniya Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Juffair, Kingdom of Bahrain.
*Corresponding author:
Amani Al Hajeri, Consultant Family Physician, Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Head of Genetic Department, Salmaniya Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Juffair, Kingdom of Bahrain; Tel: (+973) 17284490, Email: alhajeriamani@gmail.com
Received date: April 18, 2018; Accepted date: August 30, 2018; Published date: September 21, 2018
Abstract
Background and objectives: Complementary food patterns play a fundamental role in infant growth and health, especially in the first two years of life. This study aimed to explore the pattern and practice of complementary feeding of infants in Bahrain.
Methods: A cross-sectional study, including 364 children attending the primary healthcare clinics in four primary health centers was conducted in Bahrain. A pre-tested structured questionnaire, including a one week recall food frequency was administered. Data was collected via face to face interview with caregivers.
Results: Of the 364 caregivers interviewed, only 56% followed the recommendation of introduction of food at the age of six months, whereas, 41.8% caregivers followed the recommended number of meals at the age of nine months. Mothers experience was associated with complementary food introduction age (P < 0.008).
Conclusion: The pattern and practice of complementary feeding in Bahrain is not meeting the WHO recommendations.
Keywords: Complementary feeding, age of introduction, meal frequency, malnutrition