Complementary Feeding Practices in Northern Ghana: A Mixed- Methods Study of Prevalence, Predictors, and Socio-cultural Influences

Background Inappropriate complementary feeding (CF) practices contribute significantly to poor child development especially in malnutrition-burdened areas. While high knowledge and poor CF practices are often documented, socio-cultural norms and taboos mediating proper child feeding practices is rarely studied in context. This study examined the prevalence, predictors, and cultural beliefs influencing CF practices in Northern Ghana. Methods A concurrent mixed methods approach was employed. 326 mothers with children aged 6–23 months were recruited into the quantitative study while four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held for the qualitative study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used to analyze the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: About 66.6% of the children were timely initiated to CF, while 39.3%, 71.2%, and 37.1% met minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD), respectively. Appropriate complementary feeding was met by 22.1%. Antenatal care (ANC) attendance and ethnicity were significant determinants of Early Initiation of CF; children’s age and ethnicity were predictors of MAD; while household size and children’s age were associated with appropriate CF. In the qualitative results, early CF initiation was driven by perceived child readiness, and influence from mothers-in-law. Consumption of meat, eggs and dairy products were restricted by food taboos as well as spiritual and cultural beliefs. Conclusion Negative attitudes and beliefs about IYCF practices should be addressed through mass sensitization. Stakeholders should institute measures to ensure health professionals assist mothers in feeding children through regular home visits.