Dietary Practices, Healthand Nutrition Status Of Infants Born To Adolescent Mothers In Transmara West, Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

Infant and young child feeding practices contribute to the growth and development of infants as well as preventing the occurrence of common illnesses. Infants of young mothers are at risk of malnutrition because they are unprepared for child care.The purpose of this study was to determine dietary practices, health and nutrition status of infants born to adolescent mothers in Transmara West, Narok County.A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. The research questions were answered by enrolling adolescent mothers in the selected health facilities. Most of the adolescent mothers were young between the ages of 16 to 17 years. The most commonly consumed foods among their infants were Vitamin A rich foods and dairy products. The study alluded to the existing of malnutrition among infants of young mothers. There was also an association between breastfeeding, meal frequency and infant illness. The government and other stakeholders should formulate policies that govern the health care and feeding practices of infants of adolescent mothers. Similar research should be replicated to compare the nutrition status of infants of adult mothers with that of young mothers in the same study area.