Factors related to complementary feeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

Rahayu, Herwinda Kusuma and Paratmanitya, Yhona and Herawati, Herni Dwi and Nurhayat, Eka and Nuryani, Rindi (2024) Factors related to complementary feeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 30 (2). pp. 203-215. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: Complementary feeding practice is critical for adequate growth and development in children. Appropriate practices should be maintained, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse complementary feeding practices and their related factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household economic aspects. Data were collected via online questionnaires involving 574 mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Indonesia from April to May 2022. Results: In total, 63.6%, 64.6%, 86.6%, and 57.7% of children met the criteria for timely introduction of complementary feeding (INTRO), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD), respectively. Households that had no impact on their ability to provide food during the pandemic had higher odds of meeting MDD and MAD. Having a high household income level, high maternal education, and being a housewife increased the odds of INTRO. The odds of MDD increased in children who lived in Java, had older age, and whose mother had high education level. Older children had higher odds of having appropriate MMF. MAD was associated with mother’s high education level and being a housewife. Conclusion: Several factors during the pandemic, including economic aspects, influenced complementary feeding practices. To prevent child malnutrition, besides ensuring household food security, other strategies to increase complementary feeding quality are also needed.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://maljnutr.org.my/publication/30-2/Vol%2030(...

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary feeding practice is critical for adequate growth and development in children. Appropriate practices should be maintained, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse complementary feeding practices and their related factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household economic aspects. Data were collected via online questionnaires involving 574 mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Indonesia from April to May 2022. Results: In total, 63.6%, 64.6%, 86.6%, and 57.7% of children met the criteria for timely introduction of complementary feeding (INTRO), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD), respectively. Households that had no impact on their ability to provide food during the pandemic had higher odds of meeting MDD and MAD. Having a high household income level, high maternal education, and being a housewife increased the odds of INTRO. The odds of MDD increased in children who lived in Java, had older age, and whose mother had high education level. Older children had higher odds of having appropriate MMF. MAD was associated with mother’s high education level and being a housewife. Conclusion: Several factors during the pandemic, including economic aspects, influenced complementary feeding practices. To prevent child malnutrition, besides ensuring household food security, other strategies to increase complementary feeding quality are also needed.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	child nutrition
AGROVOC Term:	data collection
AGROVOC Term:	mothers
AGROVOC Term:	children
AGROVOC Term:	household income
AGROVOC Term:	COVID-19
AGROVOC Term:	child development
AGROVOC Term:	dietary diversity
AGROVOC Term:	child growth
AGROVOC Term:	food security
Geographical Term:	Indonesia
Uncontrolled Keywords:	complementary feeding, COVID-19, minimum acceptable diet, minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2026 00:45
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2026 00:45
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4088

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