LEARN Lao PDR - Master thesis: food consumption pattern among lactating mothers during 2019 in Vientiane capital
Background: The period of lactation is a relatively brief and very special time with her newborn baby as a good memory in a women's life. In Lao PDR it is observed from various nutritional surveys that the nutritional status of lactating mothers and infants is not satisfactory, due to practicing of food restrictions.
Objective: The study aimed to describe food consumption pattern and to determine its potential factors among lactating mothers during 2019 in Vientiane capital.
Method: Cross-sectional study was applied to 420 lactating mothers who attend the Child well clinics in three district hospitals of Vientiane capital. Data on food consumption pattern and potential factors included socio-demographic characteristics, individual, family factors of lactating mothers were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by STATA software. Descriptive and inferential statistic was described.
Results: The study found that 62.6% of husband/family members made decision buying foods for family consumption. More than half of the participants claimed that they eat whenever they felt like, nearly half of respondents eat more than four food groups with variety of food in moderation whereas, almost all respondents eat fruits and vegetable daily and as well as meats. All women reported of following MCH guidebook and have positive perception of health care provider‟s education and counseling. 46.9% of respondents reported of eating more than four food groups. Family income and following MCH guidebook are positive associated with consumption of variety of food groups (P-value 0.022).
Conclusion: Information on existing food consumption pattern, their associated socio demographic and health service factors can be useful for public health efforts to improve lactating mother‟s nutrition and diet. Intervention may be more effective if they are targeted at specific socio demographic subgroups such focus on low-income mothers.
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