Objectives:
to evaluate breastfeeding and the frequency and diversification of feeding, in children in São Tomé e Príncipe (STP).
Methods:
the sample comprised 1,285 children. The protocol included the prevalence of exclusive (EMB) and total (TMB) maternal breastfeeding, the onset of nutritional diversification (ND) and a questionnaire on the frequency of feeding. The statistics were processed using SPSS®. The results were presented in terms of the total sample.
Results:
45.5% of the babies were female and the mean age 26±18 months. 46.6% were given EMB up to the age of six months (mean 5±2). The mean for TMB was 12±7 months and the onset of ND at 6±3 months (median=6), with corn flour and fish soup being the first solid foods offered. 42% ate the same as the rest of the family at 7±3 months (median=6). High percentages of children never ingested cow's milk (74%) or yogurt (40%), in contrast to the high consumption of cooking oil (34%) and sugar (33%). The mean age for beginning to drink beer was 18±12 months and for beginning to drink palm wine 13±10 months.
Conclusions:
There was a high prevalence of EMB and early introduction of ND. Although nutritional resources are available, there is no adequate information or training on how to draw up a healthy eating plan for infants.
Breastfeeding; Food habits; Child
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