The Influence of Feeding Practices on Under-Five Nutrition Status in Mbinga District, Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the influence of feeding practices on under-five nutrition status in Mbinga District, Tanzania. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study involved 150 heads of households whose children aged 0 - 59 months were assessed to determine their anthropometric measurements Weigh for Age Z-scores, Height for Age Z-scores and Weight for Height Z-scores. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data from heads of the households. Data were coded and analysed by ENA for SMART, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme and STATA. Results showed that, 42% of the children were stunted, 33% were wasted, and 25% were underweight. Findings: Moreover, results of ordered probit regression model showed that exclusive breastfeeding, meal frequency and food dietary diversity were positively influencing the nutrition status while household size was negatively influencing the nutrition status of the under-five. The study concludes that, there are high rates of stunting, wasting and underweight in the study area. Further, poor child feeding practices have positive influence on anthropometric status of the under-five. Implication to Theory, Practice and Policy: It was recommended that nutrition education should be provided to community members on appropriate child feeding practices and family planning.