Study Title
Assessing Complementary Feeding Practices Among Caregivers of Children 6 Months to 2 Years at Chilenje Level One Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Principal Investigator
Saviour Mpashi
Affiliation
Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Zambia
Start Date
10 May 2026
End Date
04 December 2026
Study Objective
To determine complementary feeding practices among caregivers of children aged 6–24 months, with emphasis on timely initiation, meal frequency, meal quantity, and dietary diversity. The study also aims to establish appropriate complementary feeding practices and examine how food availability, affordability, and socio-demographic characteristics are associated with complementary feeding practices.
Short Abstract
Background: Optimal nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is essential for healthy growth, cognitive development, and long-term wellbeing in children. Complementary feeding plays a critical role in meeting infants’ nutritional requirements as breast milk alone becomes insufficient after six months of age. However, inadequate complementary feeding practices, including poor dietary diversity and insufficient meal frequency, remain common in low- and middle-income countries and contribute significantly to malnutrition and stunting.
Objective: To assess complementary feeding practices among caregivers of children aged 6–24 months attending Chilenje Level One Hospital and identify factors influencing these practices.
Methods: A cross-sectional study will be conducted among caregivers of children aged 6–24 months attending the under-five clinic at Chilenje Level One Hospital. Data will be collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires based on World Health Organization (WHO) complementary feeding indicators. Information on feeding practices, dietary diversity, meal frequency, socio-demographic characteristics, food availability, affordability, and access to nutrition information will be obtained.
Results: Data collection and analysis are ongoing.
Conclusion: The study is expected to provide evidence on current complementary feeding practices and associated factors among caregivers. Findings will inform targeted nutrition interventions, strengthen caregiver education programmes, and contribute to strategies aimed at reducing child malnutrition and improving child health outcomes.
Study Design
Cross-Sectional Study
Population
Primary caregivers aged 20 years and above who are responsible for feeding children aged 6–24 months attending the under-five clinic at Chilenje Level One Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.
Sample Size
422 participants
Inclusion Criteria
- Caregivers of children aged 6–24 months attending the under-five clinic.
- Caregivers who are primarily responsible for feeding the child.
- Caregivers who have attended the clinic at least once before.
- Caregivers willing to participate and provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
- Caregivers of children receiving special medical diets prescribed by clinicians.
- Caregivers unable to accurately recall the child’s feeding practices during the previous 24 hours.
Intervention/Exposure
Complementary feeding practices and factors influencing infant and young child feeding, including food availability, affordability, socio-demographic characteristics, and access to nutrition information.
Outcome Measures
Complementary feeding indicators, including:
- Timely initiation of complementary feeding
- Meal frequency
- Meal quantity
- Dietary diversity
- Dietary intake among children aged 6–24 months
Funding Source
Self-funded
Collaborating Institutions
Levy Mwanawasa Medical University and Chilenje Level One Hospital
Ethics Approval
Ethical approval will be obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Board (NHREB) and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University. Participation will be voluntary, with written informed consent obtained from all participants. Confidentiality, privacy, fairness, and participant welfare will be maintained throughout the study.
Publication Status
Not yet published
Keywords
Complementary Feeding, Child Nutrition, Malnutrition, Dietary Diversity, Meal Frequency, Caregivers, Infant and Young Child Feeding, Zambia
Data Collection Methods
Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires developed using World Health Organization (WHO) complementary feeding guidelines and indicators. Data will be collected through direct interviews with caregivers.
Primary Data Availability
Primary data available upon reasonable request and subject to ethical approval and institutional policies.
Contact Information
Saviour Mpashi
Email: