The impact of Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of dietary diversity on maternal and child malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women in Ngozi province, Burundi

Laetitia Irakoze, Aloys Niyongabo, Aloys Nzigamasabo, Athumani M. Lupindu

Abstract

This study explored nutritional awareness, perceptions and feeding behaviors among pregnant and lactating women in Ngozi province, Burundi, and identified determinants influencing these outcomes. A community-based cross-sectional survey of 1,620 women was conducted using a structured questionnaire adapted from FAO guidelines. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and logistic regression to determine associations between KAP and socio-demographics. Results showed that less than half of participants had good knowledge on infant feeding (44.6%), with even lower knowledge for young child feeding (30.2%) and malnutrition (28.5%). Positive attitudes toward dietary diversity were noted in 63.7% of respondents, but only 57% practiced adequate dietary diversity. Significant predictors of better knowledge and attitudes included economic engagement, education levels, marital status, and age. The study highlights the need for integrated interventions addressing education, economic empowerment, and food access to improve dietary diversity and reduce maternal and child malnutrition in this setting.

Full Text:

PDF

References

Gedef A, Id A, Aragaw AM and Wubetie HT. Dietary diversity among pregnant women and associated factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 82, 1–20.

Rajpal S, Kumar A, Alambusha R, Sharma S and Joe W. Maternal dietary diversity during lactation and associated factors in Palghar district, Maharashtra, India. PLoS One 2021; 16, 1–15.

Shumayla S, Irfan EM, Kathuria N, Rathi SK, Srivastava S and Mehra S. Minimum dietary diversity and associated factors among lactating mothers in Haryana, India: a community based cross ‑ sectional study. BMC Pediatrics 2022; 1–9.

Likhar A and Patil MS. Importance of Maternal Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days of Life and Its Effects on Child Development: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2022; 14(10), 8–13.

Tefera W, Brhanie TW and Dereje M. Dietary diversity practice and associated factors among pregnant women attending ANC in Kolfe Keranyo sub city health centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MedRxiv 2020a; 1–30.

Tafasa SM, Darega J, Dida N and Gemechu FD. Dietary diversity, undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in Gindeberet district, Oromia, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nutrition 2023; 9(1), 1–12.

Black RE, Bhutta ZA, Bryce J, Morris SS and Victora CG. The Lancet’s Series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition Executive Summary. Lancet 2008; 1–12.

Tefera W, Brhanie TW and Dereje M. Dietary diversity practice and associated factors among pregnant women attending ANC in Kolfe Keranyo sub city health centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MedRxiv 2020b; 1-30.

Series CN. Executive Summary of the Lancet Maternal and Child Nutrition Series 2013.

Rathod AH. The Economic Consequences of Childhood Malnutrition in India 2023. International Journal of Novel Research and Development 2023; 8(8), 492–502.

Amoadu M, Abraham SA, Adams AK, Akoto-Buabeng W, Obeng P and Hagan JE. Risk Factors of Malnutrition among In-School Children and Adolescents in Developing Countries: A Scoping Review. Children 2024; 11(4), 1–19.

Engidaw MT, Gebremariam AD, Tiruneh SA, Asnakew DT and Abate BA. Dietary diversity and associated factors among lactating mothers in DebreTabor General Hospital, Northcentral Ethiopia. Int J Sci Rep. Jan 2019; 5(1):17-23

Hidru HD, Mengesha MB, Hailesilassie Y and Welay FT. Burden and Determinant of Inadequate Dietary Diversity among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Nutr Metab 2020.

Fernández-Gómez E, Luque-Vara T, Moya-Fernández PJ, López-Olivares M, Gallardo-Vigil MÁ and Enrique-Mirón C. Factors influencing dietary patterns during pregnancy in a culturally diverse society. Nutrients 2020; 12(11), 1–20.

Tsegaye D, Tamiru D and Belachew T. Factors Associated with Dietary Practice and Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in Rural Communities of Illu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements 2020; 12, 103–112.

Contento IR. Nutrition education: Linking research, theory, and practice. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008; 17(Suppl 1), 176–179.

WHO. Guidelines for assessing nutrition-related Kowledge, Attitudes and Practices manual Guidelines for assessing nutrition-related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices manual. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2014.

Collins C, Magnani R and Ngomirakiza E. USAID Office of Food For Peace Food Security Country Framework for Burundi (FY 2014–FY 2019). Washington D.C. 2013: FHI 360/FANTA.

Leroy JL, Olney DK, Bliznashka L and Ruel M. Tubaramure, a Food-Assisted Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Program in Burundi, Increased Household Food Security and Energy and Micronutrient Consumption, and Maternal and Child Dietary Diversity: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of nutrition 2020; 150(4), 945–957.

Ndayiragije A. A Scoping Study on Burundi’ s Agricultural Production in a Changing Climate and the Supporting Policies. KIPPRA 2017.

Burundi National Agricultural Survey 2014.

De D, La FÀ and Fao S. Lutter contre la malnutrition par des interventions multisectorielles dans les communautés vulnérables du Burundi 2021.

Snedecor GW and Cochran WG. Statistical methods, 8thEdn. Ames Iowa State Univ Press Iowa 1989; 54: 71-82

Finances MDES and Des L. Enquête nationale sur la situation nutritionnelle et de mortalité au Burundi. Ensnmb 2021..

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.