Effect of community-based nutrition on infant nutrition and associated health practices in Narok, Kenya

BACKGROUND: Lack of knowledge, and poor attitudes and practices among rural women have been shown to negatively influence maternal, infant and young child nutrition outcomes as well as child health and cognitive development. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of community-based nutrition on infant nutrition. METHODS: A mixed method approach using a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data (n=234) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for qualitative data was used in Narok County, Kenya. RESULTS: About 57% of the participants received nutrition and health information from hospital trained health personnel. Whereas most women indicated having attended antenatal clinics, very few delivered in the hospital (17%). Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge was below 50%, although not statistically significant (p=0.584) across the education spectrum as opposed to identification of malnutrition signs, which was significant (p<0.05). Whereas 74% of the participants had knowledge about signs of malnutrition, only 58% could identify the causes. Rating for complementary feeding among the study participants was about 61% for introduction of complementary foods and 80% for frequency of feeding. Vitamin A supplementation knowledge, antenatal clinic attendance and type of waste disposal were statistically significant (p<0.05) in relation to education level of the study participants. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the need to educate rural women for increased understanding and practice of appropriate infant and nutrition care through sustainable and effective essential nutrition actions.