Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Farabi Hastanesi'ne Başvuran 0-24 Ay Arası Bebeği Olan Annelerin Emzirme ve Bebek Beslenmesi Konusundaki Bilgi Düzeyleri ile Uygulamalarının Belirlenmesi

Abstract

Breastfeeding and infant nutrition knowledge and practices of mothers varies by socio-economic status, educational level and settlement. The present study was held to determine the breastfeeding and infant nutrition knowledge levels and practices of lactating women (0-24 months postpartum) and to develop recommendations according to differences. A total of 250 mothers (0-24 months postpartum) and their babies (boy: 53.2%, girl: 46.8%) who admitted to KTU Faculty of Medicine, Farabi Hospital were recruited to the study. General characteristics of the mothers and their knowledge on infant nutrition were determined. Anthropometric measurements of babies at birth were determined from the mothers and records of the hospital. Current body weight, length, head and mid-upper arm circumferences were measured, body mass index was calculated and measurements were evaluated using WHO 2006 and 2007 growth standards. For the evaluation of dietary intake of lactating mothers (n=130) and babies over 6 months (n=210), 24 hour food recalls and food frequencies were taken retrospectively. Daily intake of carbohydrates and percentage of energy from carbohydrates were found statistically significant within income groups (p<0.05). Although the energy intake of the mothers were found different within age groups, education and income levels and settlements, the differences were not found statistically significant (p>0.05). Out of total, 94.0% of the babies were given colostrum 86.4% were breastfed within 12 hours after delivery and 82.4% were breastfed whenever the baby cries. Percentage of exclusively breastfeeding was 46.8%. Infant formula was given frequently as complementary feeding (66.1%). Mean birth weights of boys and girls were 3285.6 and 3275.3 g, respectively. Body weights of the babies, in 0-3, 4-6 and 6 months and over age groups were 3412.7 319.2, 6300.0 245.9, 9691.9 168.1 g for nonworking women babies and 4300.0 611.0, 6591.7 400.2, 10101.7 178.3 g for working women babies. The difference between mother groups was found statistically significant (p<0.05). Current lengths of babies, according to age groups, of the working mothers (52.7 1.2, 62.5 2.0, 75.4 0.8 cm, respectively) were significantly different from nonworking mothers (53.70 2.5, 60.1 1.2, 73.3 0.7 cm) (p<0.05). Out of total, 19.2% of the children was stunted (length for age <3. per.). Body mass index for age was evaluated and 4.4% of babies was found as very wasted (<3. per.), 10.4% as wasted ( 3-<15. per), 28.4% as overweight ( 85-<97. per) and 15.6% as obese ( 97. per). It could be concluded that, variations were found in mothers knowledge and practices on infant nutrition. Nutrition education of the mothers should be continued and their awareness should be increased.