"Feeding a child slowly:" a responsive feeding behavior component likely to reduce stunting: Population-based observations from rural Zambia. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mugode, Raider H.; Puoane, Thandi; Michelo, Charles; Steyn, Nelia P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hunger & environmental nutrition. Volume 13:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Feeding slowly -- feeding behaviors -- stunting -- children -- undernutrition -- malnutrition -- food security; Nutrition -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Hunger -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Food supply -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2017.1403409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-0248

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Zambia has a very high prevalence of stunting (40%). Child feeding behaviors such as "feeding the child slowly" are now receiving attention in addressing child undernutrition, particularly stunting. A study was undertaken in two rural areas of Zambia and mothers of 295 children 6–24 months old were questioned about their feeding behaviors including "feeding a child slowly." The study found reduced stunting among children older than one year who were fed slowly, had been dewormed, and consumed thicker (more energy-dense) foods. It is recommended that these feeding practices should be incorporated in health promotion interventions to reduce the burden of malnutrition.