Determinants of timely initiation of complementary feeding among children aged 6-24 months in Sagamu, Nigeria

Background: Poor breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices may contribute to childhood malnutrition in the developing world. Objective: The objective was to examine the determinants of timely initiation of complementary feeding among Nigerian children. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, children aged 6-24 months were surveyed in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital. Children with timely initiation of complementary feeding (6-8 months) were compared with children with untimely initiation of complementary feeding early (< 6 months and > 8 months) for clinical and social characteristics using both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Of 156 children, 41%, 53.8%, and 5.1% had timely, early and delayed initiation of complementary feeding. Complementary feeding was initiated with processed cereals (44.8%), locally prepared maize gruel (32.1%) and mashed family diet (23.1%). Bivariate analysis showed significant association between timely initiation of complementary and orthodox maternity care, no prelacteal feeding, exclusive breastfeeding, no siblings and first birth order. Parental education was not associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding. Multivariate analysis identified orthodox maternity care, exclusive breastfeeding and no siblings as independent predictors of timely initiation of complementary feeding. Conclusion: Complementary feeding is most frequently initiated earlier than 6 months in this population. Good breastfeeding practices may influence timely initiation of complementary feeding. Interventions should be targeted at the entire population irrespective of educational and socioeconomic status.