Feeding practices in Tunisian infants during the first 6 months

Abstract

AIMS: To describe and evaluate infant feeding practices during the first 6 months of life and to study the factors associated with short-term breastfeeding in Tunisia. Methods: Data from 260 Tunisian infants were collected by a questionnaire conducted by dietician in two primary health care centers measuring feeding practices at birth, 4 and 6 months. Results: At birth, 84.6% of mothers started breastfeeding. The proportion of exclusively breastfed infants was 46.6% at 4 mo and 44.7% at 6 mos. Mothers less than 35 years old and paediatricians as attending physician were identified as major factors negatively associated to breastfeeding of less than four months. Conclusion: This survey indicates that Tunisian infants are not fed in accordance with infant feeding recommendations during their first 6 months of life.