Using Ethnography to Identify Barriers and Facilitators to Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding in Rural Ghana: Implications for Programs

Food and Nutrition Bulletin
Margaret Armar-KlemesuChristine Hotz

Abstract

Understanding the context of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is recognized as essential for designing appropriate complementary feeding interventions. Our objective was to study household IYCF behaviors in 2 districts in southern and northern Ghana to identify opportunities to improve existing nutrition programs. We interviewed 80 caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months using ethnographic methods, including free listing, guided discussions and cognitive mapping techniques, and 24-hour dietary recall. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. In both settings, children's diets were predominantly maize based. Fish, the main animal source food, was consumed daily but in very small quantities. Milk was consumed by only a few children, in tea and porridge. Fruits were seldom consumed. Household food production did not meet requirements, and the markets were heavily relied on for staples and other key ingredients. Most caregivers demonstrated basic knowledge and understanding of key health and nutrition concepts. Barriers to optimal child feeding identified were lack of money to purchase the nutritious foods recommended for children, seasonal food insecurity,...Continue Reading

References

Apr 1, 2003·Food and Nutrition Bulletin·Gretel H PeltoLucy Thairu
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Dec 27, 2005·Journal of the American Dietetic Association·Kristy HendricksPaula Ziegler
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