+44-7897-074717Kana sop MM, Gouado I, Mananga MJ, Ekoule LD, Amvam zollo PH, Tetanye Ekoe
Background: Children, pregnant and lactating mother are the most affected groups by malnutrition in Cameroon. Breast milk is considered as an essential food that enabled the survival of infant, young children and the entire humanity. The aim: The aim of this work was to determine the factors that influence the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding (CF) practices. Methods: A questionnaire previously developed was submitted to the mothers of 152 children aged 0 – 2 years during nutritional survey in Douala city (Cameroon) to understand breastfeeding and CF practices. Anthropometrics measures were taken and statistical analyses where done using Chi 2 test. Results: Low breastfeeding rate 48.67 % (P < 0.01) was observed. The frequency of exclusive breastfeeding was 18.67 %. The most frequent complementary foods were cereals and tubers (55.74 %). Early CF was observed in 51.09 % of children between 0-5 months, 4.69 % of children were underweight, 30.47 % stunted and 5.47 % wasted. Conclusion: Several diseases related to malnutrition were linked to inappropriate breastfeeding, as proposed by WHO/UNICEF. Mother’s education was correlated with good complementary feeding practices.
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