ijchn

IJCHN-WEB

Comparison of Maternal Feeding Practices and Child Weight Status in Children from Three Countries
Pages 67-77
Maria Luiza Blanques Petty, Maria Arlete M. Schimith-Escrivão, Kyong-Mee Chung, Woo Hyun Jung, Helen M. Hendy and Keith E. Williams

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2014.03.02.1

Published: 30 May 2014

 


Abstract: The present study considered three samples of mothers from Brazil, South Korea, and the United States to determine whether mothers demonstrate a consistent pattern of feeding practices associated with child overweight. Participants included 1204 mothers of children 6-10 years old.

Mothers completed questionnaires to report their children's demographics and their feeding practices with the Parent Mealtime Action Scale (PMAS). The South Korean children showed significantly less obesity (10.4%) than children from Brazil (17.0%) or the United States (19.6%). Confirmatory factor analysis for mothers from all three samples revealed good fit for the same nine PMAS dimensions of feeding practice. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that after taking into account child age and gender, heavier child weight was found associated with more Fat Reduction and less Insistence on Eating by mothers from all three samples. Results from past experimental research suggest that these two maternal feeding practices would be counter-productive for teaching children's self-regulation of diet and weight management. Alternative maternal feeding practices are suggested.

Keywords: Childhood obesity, parent-child relations, feeding practices, obesity prevention, weight management.
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IJCHN-WEB

Attitudes of Saudi Mothers Towards Breastfeeding: A Cross–Sectional Survey in Taif Region, Saudi Arabia
Pages 78-83
Abubaker Ibrahim Elbur, Yousif M.A., Ahmed Abdulrahman Albarraq and Mustafa Awad A. Abdallah

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2014.03.02.2

Published: 30 May 2014

 


Abstract: Background: Mothers’ attitudes are strong predicators of choice of infant feeding method. This study was conducted to measure attitudes towards breastfeeding among Saudi mothers.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during April 2013 among Saudi nursing mothers in Taif Region; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Data was collected by trained pharmacy female students through face-to-face interview method using structured questionnaire. Mothers’ attitudes towards breastfeeding were assessed by The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS).

Results: A total of 387 mothers were included of them 204 (52.7%) aged < 32 years and 334 (86.3%) were residents in the town. University or college graduates were 262 (67.7%). Overall 181 (46.8%) of the mothers had positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, while 206 (53.2%) held negative ones. Correlating mothers’ total attitudes towards breastfeeding to their demographics showed that; out of the mothers aged < 32 years 118 (57.8%) had significantly more positive attitudes than older ones (aged > 32 years) 63 (34.4%), (P < 0.001). Cross tabulation of the method of infant feeding and mothers’ total attitudes towards breastfeeding showed that mothers used formula feeding or mixed feeding method 120 (49.0%) had significantly positive attitudes towards breastfeeding more than breastfeeding ones 61(43.0%), (P =0.025).

Conclusion: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was low. Positive attitudes towards breastfeeding was found to be more among mothers used formula or mixed feeding method. Educational interventions are needed to raise awareness and upgrade mothers’ knowledge on infant breastfeeding.

Keywords: Mothers, Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale, Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Saudi.
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IJCHN-WEB

Development of an Observational Instrument to Assess Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease in Premature Infants
Pages 84-92

Christina Sandberg and Susanne Georgsson Öhman

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2014.03.02.3

Published: 30 May 2014

 


Abstract: Background: Premature infants are at increased risk of developing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which for these children is associated with a number of severe symptoms. There is great need for effective instruments and clear symptom criteria to assess the presence and degree of severity of GERD.

Aim: To develop and pilot test an observation instrument for early detection of symptoms of GERD in premature infants.

Method: A combination of three research methods was used – systematic literature review, observation instrument development and a pilot test.

Results: The systematic review identified specific symptoms of GERD. The development of the observational instrument started with the establishment of concordance between the criteria of symptoms according to the literature review and to NIDCAP, “Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program”. In the pilot test the criteria of symptoms were revised by comparing the result and the criteria between infants that clinically were estimated to have had a reflux problem and the ones who did not.

Conclusion: An observation instrument was developed. The clinical evaluation by a pilot test showed that the instrument could be useful to record significant symptoms and combinations of symptoms that may occur in premature infants assessed as having reflux problems.

Keywords: Premature infants, GERD symptoms, and observation instruments.
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IJCHN-WEB

Contribution of Dehydration and Malnutrition to the Mortality of Children 0-59 Month of Age in a Senegalese Pediatric Hospital
Pages 93-98
Assane Sylla, Younoussa Keita, Cheikh Sidate Diouf, Modou Guéye, Falilou Mbow, Ousmane Ndiaye, Saliou Diouf and Mohamadou Guélaye Sall

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2014.03.02.4

Published: 30 May 2014

 


Abstract: In-hospital mortality is an indicator of the quality of care. We analyzed the mortality of under five years children of Pediatric ward of Aristide Le Dantec teaching hospital to update our data, after an previous study conducted ten years earlier.

Methods:This was a retrospective study involving children 0-59 months of age, hospitalized from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.

For each child, nutritional status was assessed according to 2006 World Health Organization growth standards; clinical and biological data were recorded. The outcome of the disease was specified. Bivariate and multivariable were used to identify risk factors for death.

Results:393 children were included. Overall mortality rate was 10% (39/393). Factors associated with death were severe wasting [OR = 8.27, 95% CI [3.79-18], male gender (OR = 2.98, 95% CI [1.25-7.1]), dehydration (OR = 5.4, 95% CI [2.54-13.43]) in the model using the weight-for- height z score, male gender (OR = 2.5, 95% CI [1.11-5.63]), dehydration (OR = 8.43, 95% CI [3.83-18.5]) in using the height- for- age z score, male gender (OR = 2.7, 95% CI [1.19-6.24]), dehydration (OR = 7.5, 95% CI [3.39-16.76]), severe underweight (OR = 2.4, 95% CI [1.11-5.63]), in the model using the weight-for- age z score, and male gender (OR = 2.5, 95% CI [1.11-5.63]), dehydration (OR = 8.43, 95% CI [3.83-18.5]) in that using MUAC.

Dehydration and malnutrition are two independent factors of mortality. Our management protocols of dehydration and malnutrition have to be updated. Screening malnutrition has to be done systematically for each child by anthropometric measurements using WHO growth standards.

Keywords: Mortality, child malnutrition, dehydration, Senegal.
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