Children feeding of less than 5 years in consultation at the Nutrition Institute and Child Health (Conakry)

Abstract

Introduction . Food is a critical area to improve children survival, and promote growth and healthy development. Objective . To describe practices of children under 5 years at the Institute of Nutrition and health of the child, in Conakry. Materials and Methods. This was a prospective and descriptive study, during 3 months, of children aged 0 to 59 months, received at Center of Recovery and Nutritional Education of INSE. One hundred and eighteen children, with complete consulting, and nutritional monitor-ring data, were included. Demographic characteristics, and dietary practices of every child have been studied. Results . Children age was between 2 and 29 months, with an average of 9.9 months, and a sex ratio of 1.15 Male/Female. Before 6 months age, 24% of children received exclusive maternal breastfeeding, 55% mixed breastfeeding, and 26% had complementary feeding. Early food diversification was noted in 86 children. Between 6 and 11 months, food included more groups of seeds-roots-tubers (92%), and milk-dairy products (48%). Fruits-vegetables (7%), and meat-fish-egg (7%) were judging. Among children aged 12 months (n = 39), 12 (31%) consumed the family dish, and 27 (69%) the infant flours (77.8% industrial flour, 22.2% local cereal porridge). Conclusion . Young children feeding is a health problem that requires intensified nutrition education strategies for mothers, and caregivers, to prevent the onset of nutritional diseases.