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Factors Influencing the Age of Complementary Feeding—A Cross-Sectional Study from Two European Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Monika A. Zielinska

    (Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Petra Rust

    (Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Daria Masztalerz-Kozubek

    (Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Jacqueline Bichler

    (Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Jadwiga Hamułka

    (Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

The timing of introducing complementary feeding affects nutritional status and children’s health. The aim of this study was to determine sociodemographic and birth-related factors associated with the age of introducing complementary foods. This cross-sectional study investigated parents ( n = 5815) of children aged 12–36 months from Poland ( n = 4065) and Austria ( n = 1750) using a single online questionnaire. During the study, detailed data about sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to pregnancy, and early feeding practices were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with the introduction of complementary feeding before 4 completed months, between 4 and 6 months, and after 6 completed months separately for both countries. Complementary foods were introduced before 4 months in 3.0% of infants (2.4% in Poland and 4.3% in Austria), between 4 and 6 months in 65.0% (60.5% in Poland and 75.3% in Austria), and after 6 completed months in 32.1% of infants (37.1% in Poland and 20.4% in Austria). The factors related to earlier introduction of complementary feeding were lower maternal age (in Austria 25–29 years: aOR 2.21 (95% CI 1.06–4.65)) and education level (in Poland and Austria primary and vocational: aOR 14.49 (95% CI 3.73–56.35), aOR 2.13 (95% CI 1.10–4.11), respectively), preterm birth (in Poland and Austria: aOR 10.21 (95% CI 5.73–18.20); aOR 4.45 (95% CI 2.42–8.18), respectively), never breastfeeding (Poland: aOR 2.73 (95% CI 1.29 – 5.76)) and receiving an infant formula after hospital discharge (in both countries: aOR 3.73 (95% CI 2.06–6.75); aOR 3.65 (95% CI 1.87–7.12), respectively). These factors should be taken into account by health professionals in identifying mothers who are least likely to follow nutritional recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Monika A. Zielinska & Petra Rust & Daria Masztalerz-Kozubek & Jacqueline Bichler & Jadwiga Hamułka, 2019. "Factors Influencing the Age of Complementary Feeding—A Cross-Sectional Study from Two European Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3799-:d:274613
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sarah Bell & Sarah Siau Yi Yew & Gemma Devenish & Diep Ha & Loc Do & Jane Scott, 2018. "Duration of Breastfeeding, but Not Timing of Solid Food, Reduces the Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Children Aged 24 to 36 Months: Findings from an Australian Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Riyadh A. Alzaheb, 2016. "Factors Associated with the Early Introduction of Complementary Feeding in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Christine Helle & Elisabet R Hillesund & Nina C Øverby, 2018. "Timing of complementary feeding and associations with maternal and infant characteristics: A Norwegian cross-sectional study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(6), pages 1-20, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daria Masztalerz-Kozubek & Monika A. Zielinska & Petra Rust & Dorota Majchrzak & Jadwiga Hamulka, 2020. "The Use of Added Salt and Sugar in the Diet of Polish and Austrian Toddlers. Associated Factors and Dietary Patterns, Feeding and Maternal Practices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-23, July.

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