Nutrition Transition, Infant and Young Child Complementary Feeding Practices and under-Five Nutrition in Urban Households of Aba, Southeast Nigeria

Vitalis Ukoji, Department of Sociology, Nigeria Police Academy, Kano

The nutrition transition being witnessed in infant and young child (IYC) complementary feeding diets has led to changes from diets high in cereals and fiber towards diets high in sugars, fat and animal-source foods in many urban households in Nigeria. Extant studies on IYC feeding practices in Southeast Nigeria have largely focused on exclusive breastfeeding. In 2014, Abia State recorded the second lowest complementary feeding rate in Southeast Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined primary caregivers to IYC 6-23 months complementary feeding practices in urban households of Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey design, with multistage sampling employed to select 566 respondents. Data were elicited using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. There was inter-generational transition in complementary feeding practices, leading to increased junk feeding, with improved parental socioeconomic status a significant factor. More awareness on recommended complementary feeding practices in urban households is needed.