Abstract
Background: The feeding practices of the mothers, particularly
responsive feeding, are critical determinants of acceptance of food,
dietary intake as well as the growth of infants and young children
(IYC). Responsive feeding refers to the interactions between mother and
child that lead to a positive feeding experience, adequate dietary
intake and enhanced developmental opportunities. Little is known about
mothers responsive feeding practices in Rwanda. Therefore, this study
sought to explore mothers’ responsive feeding practices as well as the
factors that hinder the implementation of recommended practices among
mothers from rural Muhanga District.
Method : This qualitative, longitudinal study, recruited a
purposive sample of 29 pregnant women attending prenatal consultations
in two rural health centers. They were interviewed and mother-child
interactions during mealtime were further observed during one lunch meal
feeding episode at 6, 9 and 12 months postpartum. The interviews were
recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed using qualitative
software, Atlas.ti. Frequency distribution was generated for each
practice observed.
Results: At 6 months, most mothers reported to verbally
encourage their children to eat during feeding and the numbers increased
over the age at 9 and 12 months respectively. Less than a half, at all 3
time points, reported to allow their child to self-feed, to smile and
talking during feeding. During the observation, the practices were even
less than the reported at all 3 time points of the observations. The
burden of other responsibilities and poverty were perceived as the major
barriers that made mother child- interactions during feeding difficult.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that what mothers report may not
always reflect the responsive feeding practices performed during
feeding. Nutrition interventions in the study community should
consider promoting responsive feeding practices as well as addressing
the issue of poverty and the burden of other responsibilities that
hinder mother-child interactions.
Key words: Responsive feeding, mother-child interaction during
feeding, infant and young child feeding, Rwanda.