Timing Of Introduction of Complementary Foods and Its Association With Stunting in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region.

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition remains a major global public health concern, particularly among children under five years. Globally, 45 million children are wasted and 149 million are stunted, with over half of under-five deaths linked to malnutrition. Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, especially complementary feeding (CF), are essential for improving child survival and growth outcomes. In Ghana, underweight, wasting, and stunting among infants are estimated at 10.4%, 5.3%, and 18.4%, respectively. Methodology: A quantitative facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 caregivers of infants aged 6–24 months at Ho Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Results: More than half (54.27%) of caregivers introduced complementary feeding at six months, while 24.09% initiated early and 21.65% initiated late. Breastfeeding was widely practiced (96.04%), but only 30.18% adhered to exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Porridge was the most commonly introduced food (51.83%). The prevalence of stunting was 18.29%. Although stunting was lowest among infants introduced at six months, the association between timing of CF and stunting was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While timely CF is common, inappropriate timing persists. Timing alone does not significantly predict stunting, highlighting the importance of dietary quality and socio-economic factors. Interventions should focus on improving feeding practices and dietary quality.