Inappropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Inappropriate complementary feeding is widely practiced in low and middle income countries. These contribute to undernutrition, morbidity and mortality among young children. The incidence of malnutrition in the first two years of life has been directly linked with inappropriate complementary feeding practices along with high infectious disease levels.

To assess the level of inappropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among children aged 6 to 23 months in Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2021 among 609 children aged 6 to 23 months paired with their caregivers. Systematic random sampling was used to identify study participants. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 25 software. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Statistical significance was determined using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI).

The prevalence of inappropriate complementary feeding practice among children aged 6–23 months was 55.3%. Being a mother under the age of 25 years [AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.31], aged 25–34 years [AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.91], having an occupation [AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.05], and households where husbands’ are the sole decision makers on their income [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.77] increased the chance of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. On the other hand, mother’s whose infants were aged 9–11 months [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.45] were less likely to practice inappropriate complementary feeding.

The prevalence of inappropriate complementary feeding practice in the study area was high compared to the WHO recommendation. Child’s age, maternal age, maternal occupation, and decision-making role on income were found to be associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Appropriate behavioral change communication to family and community decision-makers, and involvement of husbands in infant and young child feeding practice are recommendable.