Feeding patterns of children under 24 months, in Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract AR

This community-based study was carried out to provide baseline data about the feeding patterns and weaning practices in children less than 24 months of age in Alexandria/Egypt.

In 1995, a total of1080 children were select¬ed, using the cluster sampling technique, for a household 24-hour dietary survey.

Children were categorized accord¬ing to their age into three groups: under 6 months, from 6 to less than 12 months, and from 12 to less than 24 months.

Findings revealed that the prevalence of breastfeeding dropped markedly as the child's age increased, i.e.

92.7% in babies under 6 months, 79.5% in those from 6 to less than 12 months, and 53.1% in those from 12 to less than 24 months.

There was early introduction of milk substitutes (21.6%), fluids (33.6%), complementary semisol¬id (22.4%) and solid (9.5%) foods to babies less than 6 months of age.

The bottle was the most commonly used method for giving milk substitutes andfluids, while the spoon was the most commonly used method for giving semi¬solid or solid foods for different age groups.

A minority of children under the age of 2 was given vitamins (2.2%) or oral rehydration solution (1.4%).

None of the infants less than 6 months of age received vitamins.

The results indi¬cate that there is a need to educate mothers about proper feeding practices