Conhecimentos maternos sobre alimentação complementar de crianças de 0 a 2 anos no município de Itabaiana-SE

Abstract

Complementary feeding is defined as any nutritional solid or liquid foods offered to the child, in addition to breast milk from six months onwards. The food introduction is influenced by several factors, among which maternal care, which can be influenced by several factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal knowledge about complementary feeding in children aged 0 to 2 years in the city of Itabaiana-SE, analyzing the factors and maternal difficulties in the management with complementary feeding. A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample, through the application of a questionnaire with questions about feeding practices in children from 0 to 2 years old. The categorical variables were presented by means of absolute and relative frequencies and, for association analysis, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used. All analyzes were performed using SPSS 22.0. The mother's age influenced the early feeding (p = 0.049), which was observed in 70.6% of the children analyzed. The consumption of unhealthy foods was higher with lower per capita income (p <0.001) and maternal schooling (p = 0.002). In addition, in response to the answers, it was evidenced that more than 50% were unaware of the correct preparation and administration of the food. Therefore, due to the existence of several inadequate dietary practices regarding complementary feeding, in addition to several misconceptions that may influence the maternal decisions, it becomes necessary to carry out actions to promote healthy eating practices in the first years of life in the community in question.