An Investigation of Patterns and Factors Associated with Exclusive Breast Feeding in Northern Ghana
Pages 92-103
Mahama Saaka, Solomon Addae Takyi and Tetteh Maxwell

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2012.01.02.2

Published: 31 December 2012

Abstract: Introduction: The main aim of this study was to assess the practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and explore its determinants in Tamale Metropolis, Northern Ghana.
Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, systematic random sampling was used to select 355 mother- infant pairs between 0-6 months from among consenting mothers attending post natal care at the Tamale Teaching and West Hospitals in the Tamale Metropolis.
Results: The prevalence of EBF among infants < 6 months in the Tamale Metropolis for the past 24 hours was 92.1 % but it was 75.5 % in the one month prior to the study.
In logistic regression analyses, factors that had significant positive association with EBR were institutional delivery, current mother’s employment, maternal motivation and household wealth index. Compared to home delivery, women who delivered at a health institution were five times more likely to practice EBF (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.17, CI: 2.45 – 10.90). Petty traders were four times more likely to exclusively breastfeed, compared to women who were unemployed (A OR = 4.05, CI: 1.93 – 8.51).
EBF provided 80 % (Adjusted OR = 0.2, CI: 0.08-0.37) protection against chronic malnutrition whilst high household index reflecting socio-economic status provided only 10 % protection against chronic malnutrition in the study sample (Adjusted OR = 0.9, CI: 0.81- 0.98).
Conclusion and Recommendation: Strategies that target improving knowledge and skills on lactation management among women, as well as strategies to improve health facility delivery especially among non-working mothers, may help to improve EBF in Northern Ghana.

Vitamin A Supplementation and Stunting Levels Among Two Year Olds in Kenya: Evidence from the 2008-09 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey
Pages 135-147
Elizabeth W. Kimani-Murage, Crispin Ndedda, Katherine Raleigh and Peninah Masibo

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2012.01.02.5

Published: 31 December 2012

Abstract: Background: High levels of undernutrition, particularly stunting, have persisted in Kenya, like in other developing countries. The relationship betweeen vitamin A supplementation and growth of children in Kenya has not been established, while there are context-specific variations on the relationship. This study explores this relationship in the Kenyan context.

Methods: The study uses data from the 2008-09 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, involving children aged 24-35 months, a weighted sample of 1029 children. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted. The outcome variable of interest is stunting, while the exposure variable of interest is ever receiving a dose of vitamin A supplement. Secondary outcomes include underweight and wasting status.

Results: The prevalence of stunting in the study group was 46%; underweight 20%; and wasting 6%. The prevalence of ever receiving vitamin A supplement was 78%. Receiving vitamin A supplement was significantly negatively associated with stunting and underweight status, adjusting for other co-risk factors. The odds of stunting were 50% higher (p=0.038), while for underweight were 75% higher (p=0.013) among children who did not receive Vitamin A supplement compared with those who did.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that receiving vitamin A supplement may be beneficial to growth of young children in Kenya. However, though freely offered through immunization services to children 6-59 months, some children do not receive it, particularly after completing the immunization schedule. There is need to establish innovative and effective ways of maximizing utilization of this intervention, particularly for children who have completed their immunization schedule.