Journal de la nutrition et des sciences alimentaires
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Feeding Practices, Food and Nutrition Insecurity of infants and their Mothers in Bangang Rural Community, Cameroon

Marlyne-Joséphine Mananga, Marie Modestine Kana-Sop, Nicolas Policarpe Nolla, Tetanye-Ekoe and Gouado Inocent Gouado

Background: Many reports indicate the existence of high rate of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Cameroon. Children, pregnant and lactating mothers are the most affected groups. Objective: This study was designed to assess breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices that influence nutritional status of young children and their mothers in Bangang rural community in the West Region of Cameroon. Methods: The study was descriptive and exploratory. A questionnaire previously developed was submitted to the 244 mothers or caregivers with 270 young children aged 0 to 24 months, during nutritional survey in Bangang rural community to understand breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Anthropometrics measures were recorded and statistical analyses where done using SPSS version 17. Results: The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting of children was 42.22%, 6.67% and 3.33% respectively. BMI classification of mothers was done according to WHO criteria, 3.28% of mothers were underweight, and 29.09% were overweight and 9.84% obese. Low breastfeeding rate 69.58% (P<0.05) was observed. The frequency of exclusive breastfeeding was 60.08%. However, 50.39% had introduced complementary foods before six months. The most frequent complementary foods were cereals, tubers, but minerals and vitamins intake were low. Conclusion: Breastfeeding was still practiced by many of the mothers but exclusive breastfeeding was scarce. Nutritional problems observed were due to poor knowledge on feeding practices and low education and socio economic level of mothers. There is a great need of developing educational program based on locally available foods