Correlation Between Weaning Practices and Severe Acute Malnutrition on Child Health among Care-Givers attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026359Abstract
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a critical public health problem among under-five children in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the relationship between feeding practices, weaning practices, and the occurrence of SAM among children attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed involving 150 caregivers of children diagnosed with SAM. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, breastfeeding practices, feeding frequency, and complementary feeding patterns. Anthropometric indicators were obtained from hospital records to confirm SAM diagnosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that only 36.7% of caregivers practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months, while 40.0% introduced mixed feeding early. Approximately 33.3% initiated complementary feeding before six months, and 30.0% introduced it later than recommended. Cereal-based foods (46.7%) were the most commonly used complementary foods. A significant association was observed between feeding practices and SAM (χ² = 12.45, p = 0.002), as well as between weaning practices and SAM (χ² = 10.38, p = 0.005). The study concludes that inappropriate infant feeding and weaning practices significantly contribute to the development of severe acute malnutrition. Strengthening nutrition education, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and ensuring timely and adequate complementary feeding are essential strategies for reducing the burden of SAM among under-five children.
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