Feeding practices and food intake among 6-12 months anemic and non-anemic infants
Carissa Cerdasari (a*), Santi Aprilian Lestaluhu (b), Novian Swasono Hadi (c), Novidiyanto (d), Dwi Lestari (e)

a) Poltekkes Kemenkes Malang, Jl. Besar Ijen 77C, Malang 65112, Indonesia
*carissa_cerdasari[at]poltekkes-malang.ac.id
b) Poltekkes Kemenkes Maluku, Jl. Laksdya Leo Watimena Negeri Lama, Ambon 97233, Indonesia
c) Poltekkes Kemenkes Gorontalo, Jl. Taman Pendidikan No.36, Moodu, Kota Tim., Kota Gorontalo, Gorontalo 96135, Indonesia
d) Poltekkes Kemenkes Pangkalpinang, Jl. Pulau Bangka, Padang Baru, Kec. Pangkalan Baru, Kabupaten Bangka Tengah, Kepulauan Bangka Belitung 33684, Indonesia
e) Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Nusa Tenggara Barat, Jl. Pendidikan No.6, Dasan Agung Baru, Kec. Selaparang, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83125, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Anemia in infants could disrupt physical, cognitive, psychomotor growth and development and increase morbidity. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices may be risk factors for anemia in infancy. Objective: This study was conducted to determine breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among 6-12 months anemic and non-anemic infants. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, mothers (n = 60) of 6-12 months old infants were recruited from 10 integrated health centers in Dinoyo, Malang. Anemia was determined by measuring the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) using a digital Hb meter. The breastfeeding practices include exclusive breastfeeding duration and daily breastfeeding frequency obtained using 24-hour record form. While the complementary feeding practices, including energy, protein, and iron intake obtained through a 24-hour recall method for three non-consecutive days. Mann-Whitney and t-test were used to analyze differences in the breastfeeding pattern and complementary feeding intake in anemic and non-anemic infants. Results: The study showed the proportion of infants with anemia by 30%. The average breastfeeding frequency in a day and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding were 12.46 times and 3.21 months. While the average intake of energy, protein, and iron was 690.90 Kcal, 17.76 g, and 4.63 mg, respectively. There were differences in daily breastfeeding frequency and protein intake between anemic and non-anemic infants (p <0.05). Conclusion: Proper breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices have a significant role in preventing anemia in infants. Low protein intake and high breastfeeding frequency can be the cause of anemia in 6-12 months of infants.

Keywords: 6-12 months, infants, anemia, breastfeeding practices, complementary feeding intake

Topic: Public Health