Determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding practices in young children in Sri Lanka: secondary data analysis of Demographic and Health Survey 2006–2007

摘要

Inappropriate complementary feeding increases risk of undernutrition, illness and mortality in infants and children. This paper aimed to determine the factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practices in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Demographic and Health Survey 2006–2007 used a stratified two‐stage cluster sample of ever‐married women 15–49 years, and included details about foods given to children aged 6–23 months during the last 24 h. The new World Health Organization indicators for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) – (introduction of solid/semi‐solid or soft foods; minimum dietary diversity; minimum meal frequency; and minimum acceptable diet) were calculated for 2106 children aged 6–23 months. These indicators were examined against explanatory variables with multivariate analyses to identify factors associated with inappropriate practices.