TÌNH TRẠNG DINH DƯỠNG VÀ THỰC HÀNH NUÔI DƯỠNG TRẺ 0-23 THÁNG TUỔI TẠI MỘT SỐ XÃ THUỘC VÙNG DÂN TỘC THIỂU SỐ VÀ MIỀN NÚI NĂM 2023

Abstract

Aims: To assess the nutritional status of children aged 0-23 months and child feeding practices in 6 communes of ethnic minorities in Lao Cai and Dac Lac provinces.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect anthropometric data of all 793 children aged 0-23 months in 6 communes in 2 provinces. 301 mothers with young children were interviewed on Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice (IYCF) questionnaire using WHO 2021 references.

Results: Nutritional status of children aged 0-23 months: The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 14.6%, 24.5%, and 6.2%.  IYCF practices: 75.4% of mothers had more than 3 prenatal check-ups during pregnancy, the percentage of delivering in hospital was 79.9%. The percentage of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age was 32.2%, 44.8%, and 31.7%.

The percentage of age-appropriate weaning is 49.5%. The percentage of early introduction of weaning food before 6 months was 39.5%. The percentage of minimum dietary diversity,  minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet was 29.2%, 77.1%, and 27.9%, respectively. The percentage of feeding animal sources foods and vegetables to children was 59.6% and 55%, respectively.

Conclusion: The nutritional status of children has improved but practices on breastfeeding and complementary feeding were still not optimal. Essential nutritional interventions including communication need to be further strengthened.