Determinants of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and their association with childhood illnesses among 0-23 months old in Rwanda: A nationwide study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Optimal Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices such as exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding are essential for childhood development, and prevention of nutritional deficiency disorders and infectious diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of IYCF practices with common childhood illnesses like diarrhea, cough, and fever, and the determinants of IYCF practices. Methods: Secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, 2020 of 3,142 participants was used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select the participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to explore the determinants of Infant and young child feeding practices and their association with common childhood illnesses, using SPSS (version 25). Results: Of the 3,142 women with children below 24 months, 781 and 2,360 had children below 6 months and 6-23 months respectively. Among the 781 children below 6 months, 80.9% (95%CI: 78.2-83.7) were exclusively breastfed, and 7%, 24%, and 14% had suffered from diarrhea, cough, and fever in the last two weeks, respectively. Of the 2,360 children aged 6-23 months, 97.9% (95%CI: 97.3-98.5) were on complementary feeding, and 24%, 35%, and 26% had suffered from diarrhea, cough, and fever, in the last two weeks respectively. Compared to exclusively breastfed children, those not on exclusive breastfeeding had higher odds of suffering from diarrhea (AOR=4.19, 95%CI: 3.01-5.83), cough (AOR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.33-2.00) and fever (AOR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.55-2.58). However, children not on complementary feeding had less odds of suffering from diarrhea (AOR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.17-0.33), cough (AOR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.50-0.74), and fever (AOR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.39-0.64). Women with no health insurance, no media access, residing in the western, and southern regions of Rwanda had higher odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding compared to their respective counterparts. Older age, primary education, and being in the richest wealth quintile were associated with higher odds of practicing complementary breastfeeding. Conclusion: The study highlighted a significant association between IYCF practices and childhood illnesses. More efforts are needed to improve and promote IYCF practices, as this could also be a vital strategy in the prevention of childhood illnesses. IYCF promotion strategies should focus on the younger, less educated, and poor women residing in urban areas.