International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 8 Issue 3, May-June 2024 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Association between Malaria, Feeding Habits and Other Socio-

Demographic Factors in Children Aged 0 – 2 Years in the Buea,
Tiko and Limbe Health Districts in Cameroon
Mukum Ijang Teche1, Jerome Fru-Cho2, Tiencheu Bernard3, Nana Célestin4
1,2,3
University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
4
Foundation of Applied Statistics and Data Management (FASTDAM), Buea, Cameroon

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Mukum Ijang

Feeding practices are associated with childhood malaria and their Teche | Jerome Fru-Cho | Tiencheu
severity. Most children 0 to 2years experience malaria and feeding Bernard | Nana Célestin "Association
practices may play a major role in the occurrence of this disease. The between Malaria, Feeding Habits and
Other Socio-Demographic Factors in
present study aimed to evaluate the association between feeding
Children Aged 0 – 2 Years in the Buea,
practice among children below 2 years with malaria in Buea, Tiko Tiko and Limbe Health Districts in
and Limbe health districts. A cross-sectional hospital-based survey Cameroon"
study was carried out in three Health Districts (Limbe, Buea and Published in
Tiko) in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. A total of 1155 mothers International Journal
attending infant welfare clinics across six hospitals were included. A of Trend in
structured questionnaire was used to collect data on feeding practices Scientific Research
as well as socio-demographic factors. The study revealed that the and Development
prevalence of malaria was 21.1%. All feeding habits were associated (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456- IJTSRD64790
with malaria (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, children who were not 6470, Volume-8 |
breastfed reported the highest prevalence of malaria (62.5%). Malaria Issue-3, June 2024, pp.42-53, URL:
positive status increased with age. Among the mothers, the age group www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd64790.pdf
that reported significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence of malaria Copyright © 2024 by author (s) and
was 32 – 38 years (29.0%) for malaria. Level of education was International Journal of Trend in
associated with malaria as well as monthly family income (P < 0.05). Scientific Research and Development
Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 55.5% of the mothers, Journal. This is an
whereas complementary feeding was practiced by 45.5%. The Open Access article
highest proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfed their distributed under the
children was from Limbe (61.6%), followed by Buea (59.3%) and the terms of the Creative Commons
least from Tiko (45.6%). The occurrence of malaria and its Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
association with socio-demographic factors cannot be undermined.
KEYWORDS: Feeding, Socio-demographic, Association, Malaria,
Buea, Tiko, Limbe, Cameroon

INTRODUCTION
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by germs such of these children living in developing countries
as bacteria, protozoans, viruses and fungi that enter (WHO, 2013).
the body, multiply and can cause an infection. Some
Globally, malaria is still a public health concern with
infectious diseases are contagious or communicable,
approximately 445,000 malaria related deaths
meaning they are capable of spreading from one
occurring in 2016 and Cameroon alone accounted for
person to another person. Other infectious diseases
3% of this number (WHO, 2018). In 2019, there were
can be spread by germs carried in air, water, food or
229 million malaria cases globally that led to 409,000
soil. They can also be spread by vectors to humans
deaths. Of these deaths, 67 percent (274,000) were
(CDC, 2023) as it is the case with malaria. Malaria is
children under 5 years of age. This translates into a
an infectious disease that continues to be a major
daily toll of nearly 750 children under age 5
cause of mortality to a wide population in developing
(UNICEF, 2012). As seen in many different areas of
countries especially in Africa (Boutayeb, 2010).
the globe, the malaria burden and transmission
Approximately 12 million children younger than 5
intensity in Cameroon is heterogeneous (Eyong et al.,
years of age die every year of malnutrition with most
2016). Although different control measures including

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free treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children diseases such as malaria, diarrhea and respiratory
under five years with artemisinin-based combination diseases (Arimond & Ruel, 2004; Asoba et al., 2019).
therapies (ACTs) and nation-wide distribution of Breastfeeding is said to protect against infectious
long-lasting insecticidal net (Sumbele et al., 2014) diseases and provide protection against respiratory
have been implemented in Cameroon, the disease tract infections in infants, though the findings are
burden is still high (Ebai et al., 2016). Most of these inconsistent and need more scientific backing
deaths occurred in children under the age of 2 years, (Tarrant, 2010). Investigating the influence of feeding
who have a deficiency in naturally acquired immunity practices of mothers on the nutritional status of
and as a consequence have the highest rates of children up to 2 years and the impact on some
infection, complications, and mortality. Nutritional infectious diseases may be an important approach
status, complementary feeding and immune responses toward reducing the burden of child malnutrition and
to such infections are closely related. Akiyama et al. other infectious diseases, thus enhancing population
(2016) reported a close tie between malnutrition health and socio-economic development.
particularly stunting, and Plasmodium falciparum
Objectives
malaria among children, with the under-two years
Main objective
recording the highest burden.
This work aimed at investigating feeding practices
Although malnutrition is prevalent in developing and their association to diarrhea, malaria, and
countries, it is rarely cited as being among the leading respiratory diseases among children 0 to 2 years in
causes of death (Bain et al., 2013). About 178 million Buea, Tiko and Limbe Health Districts.
children globally are stunted and Africa has the
Specific objectives
highest rates (WHO, 2013). Generally, the risk of
1. To determine the rate of exclusive breastfeeding
malnutrition in the first 2 years of life has been
and complementary feeding in children 0 – 2
directly linked with poor breastfeeding and
years.
complementary feeding practices of mothers
alongside high rates of infectious diseases (Arimond 2. To determine the prevalence of malaria in
and Ruel, 2004). Breastfeeding (BF) has been children 0 – 2 years and its association with
associated with reduction in morbidity and mortality feeding habits in the Buea, Tiko and Limbe health
in children less than 2 years, particularly those districts.
exclusively breastfed up to 4 and 6 months of age 3. To investigate the association between malaria
(WHO, 2008; Kalanda et al., 2006). The World and socio-demographic factors in relation to
Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive feeding practice in children 0 – 2 years in the
breastfeeding of all infants until six months of age Buea, Tiko and Limbe health districts.
(WHO, 2013). In spite of all the sensitization, the
prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding remains low Research Hypotheses
(Dhakal et al., 2017). About 44% of infants 0–6 Main Research Hypothesis
months old are exclusively breastfed. Few children There is a relationship between socio-demographic
receive nutritionally adequate and safe data, feeding practice and the occurrence of malaria
complementary foods; in many countries less than a in children 0 – 2 years in Fako Division.
fourth of infants 6–23 months of age meet the criteria Specific Research Hypotheses
of dietary diversity and feeding frequency that are 1. There is a relationship between socio-
appropriate for their age (WHO, 2023; Kunyanga & demographic data and the occurrence of malaria
Kaindi, 2022). in children 0 – 2 years in Fako Division.
Statement of the Problem 2. There is a relationship between feeding practice
Malnutrition is one of the principal underlying causes and the occurrence of malaria in children 0 – 2
of death for many of the world’s children, years in Fako Division.
contributing to more than a third of under-five deaths
globally. In Buea, Tiko and Limbe Health Districts, Rationale
malnutrition is common among children living in Nutritional status is closely tied to immune responses
different communities (Nkuo-Akenji et al., 2008; to infection, being on the one hand, an important
Mbuh & Nembo, 2013). Usually, there are determinant of the risk and prognosis of infectious
contradictory reports on the risk of malnutrition in the diseases, and on the other hand, being directly
first 2 years of life and its association with poor influenced by infection (Caulfeld et al., 2004).
breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices of To date, findings from studies evaluating associations
mothers together with high rates of infectious between various measures of malnutrition and malaria

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have been contradictory with some studies reporting made. The updated questionnaire was then reprinted
association (Sumbele et al., 2015) and others no and used for the study proper.
association (Nyaaba et al., 2017).
Sample size determination
Yet, malnutrition and Plasmodium falciparum malaria For this work, the estimated population size (N) from
frequently co-exist in most countries and account for the 2021 population statistics for children 0 – 2 years
a large part of under-five morbidity and mortality (Limbe = 11957, Buea = 10452 and Tiko = 9119) was
(WHO, 2014). obtained from the Regional Delegation of Public
Health, SW Region (MINSANTE/CIS, 2021), and the
The availability of data on the proportion and risk
level of significance (e) was 0.05 or 5%. Thus, the
factors of ARIs is vital because, achieving the
estimated sample size was calculated for each Health
Sustainable Development Goal on improving health
District and presented as shown in Figure 1.
and wellbeing will depend on the existing efforts to
prevent and control ARIs in all WHO regions (WHO, Inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria
2008). This study included children aged 0 to 2 years who
leaved in at least one of the study areas. The study
This study will also allow us to bridge the knowledge
excluded children who were born prematurely, HIV
gap by generating epidemiological information by
positive children and children with disabilities. The
which to guide proper formulation of prevention and
study also excluded children whose parents dropped
control programs in this area.
out and were no longer interested in participating in
Methodology the study.
This study was carried out in PMI Tiko, Tiko District
The sample size for this study was determined based
hospital, Buea Regional Hospital, PMI Buea, Limbe
on Yamane’s approach for finite population (Yamane,
Regional Hospital and PMI Limbe, located in Fako
1967) using the formula;
Division of the Southwest Region of Cameroon.
This study is a cross sectional hospital-based survey
that was carried out between the months of February
2021 and July 2022. After obtaining an Ethical Where, n = the expected sample size,
clearance from the Faculty of health science N = the finite population out of which the sample was
institutional review board, an administrative drawn,
authorization was obtained from the regional
delegation of public health of southwest and local e = the level of significance (or limit of tolerable
authorizations from the various health facilities error).
(Integrated Health Center Buea Town, 7th Days Limbe (n) =
Adventist and District Hospital Bota). A pilot study
was carried out by administering 20 questionnaires to
20 mothers who had children within the required age
(0 to 2 years) and who volunteered to participate. The
pilot study was carried out in order to adjust any
lapses and or errors, after which the results were
inputted and analyzed, and the necessary corrections

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Health District

Limbe Buea Tiko

Children Children Children

0-2 years 0-2 years 0-2 years
(N = 11957) (N = 10452) (N=9119)

Participants for study Participants for study Participants for

(n = 387) (n = 385) study
(n = 383)

Total number of participants for the

Incomplete study
information n=1155
(n = 23)

Data available
n=1132

Figure: Sample flow chart

At the start of the study in each site, the parents and guardians of the children were educated on the study
protocol and the benefits of participation. Upon obtaining the consent from the participants, structured
questionnaire was then administered to the participants. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections, with
section A targeting anthropogenic measurements, section B capturing socio-demographic characteristics which
helped us to determine the association between malaria and socio demographic characteristics. Section C was
made up of questions concerning the different feeding practices. Section dealt with vaccination status. The
questionnaire was self-administered to literate participants while it was interviewer administered to participants
who could not understand.
Findings
Characteristics of study participants
The socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the study participants are shown in table 1. A total
of 1154 children within the age 0 – 2 years, residing in Buea 32.8% (378), Limbe 33.6% (388) and Tiko 33.6%
(388) were involved in the study. The proportion of males (51.9%) slightly exceeded that of females (48.1%).
Participation within age groups was comparable with more of the children in the 0 – 6 months (56.4%) age
group. The majority of the women were within the age group 25 – 31 years (51.5%), married (66.0%) and had
attended tertiary level of education (35.5%). A greater proportion of the women were employed (58.8%) in the
private sector (82.3%). In addition, the monthly family income was above 90000 FCFA.

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Table 1: Socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics
Variable Category %(n)
Child
Buea 32.8(378)
Study area Limbe 33.6(388)
Tiko 33.6(388)
Male 51.9(599)
Gender
Female 48.1(555)
0–6 56.4(651)
7 – 12 16.9(195)
Age group (months)
13 – 18 13.6(157)
>18 13.1(151)
Mother
18 – 24 30.2(349)
25 – 31 51.5(594)
Age group (years) 32 – 38 13.4(155)
39 – 45 3.3(38)
>45 1.6(18)
Single 33.4(386)
Marital status Married 66.0(762)
Divorced/Separated/Widow 0.5(6)
Primary 17.5(202)
Level of education Secondary 47.0(542)
University 35.5(410)
Employed 58.8(679)
Employment status
Unemployed 41.2(475)
Government employee 17.7(120)
Type of employment
Private employee 82.3(559)
20.000 – 40.000 27.2(308)
41.000 – 70.000 21.3(241)
Monthly family income (FCFA)$
71.000 – 90.000 18.4(208)
>90.000 33.1(375)
Christian 94.6(1092)
Religion
Muslim 5.4(62)
$ = Data available for 1132 participants.
Clinical characteristics
The prevalence of malaria in children aged 0 – 2 years was 17.9%, as shown in table 2. High parasitemia was
reported (96.6%) among malaria cases, and the mean temperature (SD) was 36.7(0.6) (Table 2). The prevalence
of anemia was 8.9% and prevalence of anemia was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the age group > 18 months
(38.4%) than the other age groups. More so, anemia was highly reported among malaria positive cases 41.9%
(85) than malaria negative children and the difference was significant (χ2 = 338.34; P < 0.001). Equally, malaria
positive children reported a significantly higher prevalence of fever (25.6%; χ2 = 122.72; P < 0.001) as compared
with malaria negative children.

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Table 2: Clinical characteristics of children 0 – 2 years
Variable Category %(n)
Malaria prevalence All children 17.9 (203)
High 96.6 (196)
Malaria parasite load
Low 3.4 (7)
Anemic 8.9 (18)
Anemic status
Non-anemic 91.1 (185)
Febrile 25.6 (52)
Fever status
Afebrile 74.4 (151)
Mean weight (SD) in kg 7.9 (3.5)
Mean height (SD) in cm 61.2 (17.0)
Mean temperature (SD) in °C 36.7 (0.6)
Mean head circumference (SD) in cm 40.3 (7.1)
Feeding practices in the study population
The different feeding practices evaluated were exclusive breastfeeding and complimentary feeding. As shown in
Table 3, the highest proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfed their children were from Limbe (61.6%),
followed by Buea (59.3%) and the least from Tiko (45.6%). Significantly (P < 0.001), most mothers in the three
study sites practiced complementary feeding with their children from birth. Among the children whose mothers
gave information on their age, a statistically significant (P = 0.020) proportion in the age group 18 – 24 years
exclusively breastfed their children (55.6%) while, those between 39 – 45 years had the highest proportion of
children who were given complementary feeding (68.4%).
Table 3: Association between socio-demographic, socioeconomic factors on different infant feeding
methods
Infant feeding methods %(n)
Number χ2;
Parameter Exclusive Complimentary
examined P value
breastfeeding feeding
Buea 378 59.3(244) 40.7(154)
23.34;
Study area Limbe 288 61.6(239) 38.4(149)
<0.001
Tiko 388 45.6(166) 54.4(211)
18 – 24 349 55.6(194) 44.4(155)
25 – 31 594 57.9(344) 42.1(250)
Age group 11.72;
32 – 38 155 51.0(79) 49.0(76)
(years) 0.020
39 – 45 38 31.6(12) 68.4(26)
>45 18 61.1(11) 38.9(7)
Single 386 61.7(238) 38.3(148)
Marital 15.73;
Married 762 52.8(402) 47.2(360)
status <0.001
Divorced/ Separated/ Widow 6 0.0(0) 100.0(6)
Primary 202 57.9(117) 42.1(85)
Level of 2.61;
Secondary 542 53.0(287) 47.0(255)
education 0.271
University 410 57.6(236) 42.4(174)
Employment Employed 679 58.9(400) 41.1(279) 7.93;
status Unemployed 475 50.5(240) 49.5(235) 0.005
20.000 – 40.000 308 57.5(177) 42.5(131)
Family 41.000 – 70.000 241 59.3(143) 40.7(98) 7.57;
income 71.000 – 90.000 208 58.7(122) 41.3(86) 0.056
>90.000 375 49.9(187) 50.1(188)

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Association between malaria and feeding habits
All feeding habits were associated with malaria (P < 0.001) as shown in Table 4. The use of Cerelac, Custad,
Phosphatine as food was highly (28.3%) associated with malaria as compared to other categories of food
formula. More so, children who were not breastfed reported the highest prevalence of malaria (62.5%). The
introduction of complementary food at 3 – 6 months was associated with high (25.6%) malaria parasite
infection. A higher proportion of malaria (32.9%) was reported among children who were breastfed for a period
of 6 months.
Table 4: Association between malaria and feeding habits
χ2;
Variable Category Malaria positive % (n)
P value
Cerelac, Custad, Phosphatine 28.3(128)
Homemade baby food 15.6(19)
62.34;
Formula food Homemade meals for everyone 20.0(6)
<0.001
Water/milk 17.6(32)
Breast milk 0.0(0)
Exclusive breastfeeding 16.7(107)
Formula only 46.2(6)
30.31;
Feeding method Breast
16.5(80) <0.001
milk/Formula/Homemade
No breastfeeding 62.5(10)
<3 months 22.0(55)
Introduction of 3 – 6 months 25.6(101) 58.68;
complementary food After 6 months 19.7(26) <0.001
Not yet/Never 5.6(21)
<6 months 8.3(48)
6 months 32.9(72)
How long the baby 86.48;
7 – 12 months 22.6(70)
was breastfed <0.001
>12 months 16.7(6)
No breastfeeding 53.8(7)
Association between malaria and socio-demographic factors
Malaria positive status increases with increase in age. Among mothers, the age groups that reported significantly
(P<0.001) higher prevalence of malaria was 32 – 38 years (29.0%). As for the children, it was 18 months and
above (41.1%). Marital status was significantly associated with malaria with the divorced/separated/widow
having the highest prevalence (50.3%). Level of education was significantly (P<0.001) associated with malaria
whereby those that ended at primary level had the highest prevalence (42.1%). Then it was monthly income
whereby those within income range 71.000 – 90.000 had significantly (P<0.001) the highest prevalence of
malaria (27.4%), as presented in table 5.
Table 5: Association between malaria and socio-demographic factors in children 0-2 years in the Fako
Division
Variable Category Malaria positive status %(n)
Buea 17.5(66)
Study area Limbe 14.9(58)
Tiko 20.4(79)
χ2; P value 3.93; 0.140
Male 18.5(111)
Gender
Female 16.6(92)

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χ2; P value 0.76; 0.384
0–6 4.1(40)
7 – 12 28.7(56)
Age group (months)
13 – 18 28.7(45)
>18 41.1(62)
χ2; P value 146.14; <0.001
18 – 24 7.4(26)
25 – 31 20.4(121)
Age group (years) 32 – 38 29.0(45)
39 – 45 28.9(11)
>45 0.0(0)
χ2; P value 49.14; <0.001
Single 27.5(106)
Marital status Married 12.3(94)
Divorced/Separated/Widow 50.0(3)
χ2; P value 44.8; <0.001
Primary 42.1(85)
Level of education Secondary 12.4(67)
University 12.4(51)
χ2; P value 101.29; <0.001
Employed 18.6(126)
Employment status
Unemployed 16.2(77)
χ2; P value 1.06; 0.303
20.000 – 40.000 18.5(57)
41.000 – 70.000 16.6(40)
Monthly family income (FCFA)$
71.000 – 90.000 27.4(57)
>90.000 13.1(49)
χ2; P value 19.07; <0.001

Discussion association between infant feeding practice and the

This study reported on the prevalence of malaria prevalence of malaria parasite, with a significantly
among children 0 – 2 years as well as its association lower prevalence in children who were exclusively
with socio-demographic and different feeding breastfed. This is similar to a study carried in the
practices. As compared to previous studies on malaria Mount Cameroon area (Asoba et al., 2019) and also in
in children in the Mount Cameroon area, we reported Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kassim
a low prevalence of malaria (17.9%) which is lower et al., 2015). The lower prevalence of malaria parasite
than the most recently reported 36.4% by Sumbele et infection among infants who were exclusively
al., 2021). Although, the Mount Cameroon area has an breastfed (EBF) may be the result of early
equatorial climate characterized by abundant rainfall development of anti-parasite immunity unlike their
and constant humidity which are factors favoring counterparts who were not breastfed but rather
intense and perennial transmission of the malaria introduced to other food stuffs. This is probably due to
parasite (Achidi et al., 2012), considerable progress the transfer of maternal IgG antibodies against P.
has been made in the past years in reducing malaria falciparum present in breast milk which is
morbidity and mortality in Cameroon, largely due to systemically absorbed into blood circulation where
interventions such as LLIN and use of artemisinin- malaria parasites reside as well (Ballard & Morrow,
based combination therapy (Bhatt et al., 2015). 2013; Van de Perre, 2013). It should be noted that at
Findings from the study revealed a significant six months, breastfeeding did not adequately protect

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
the child against malaria (32.9%). At 6 months, it is a The rate was much lower than that reported in Port
vulnerable period of growth as nutritional intake, Harcourt Southern Nigeria (Otaigbe et al., 2005) but
health status, the environment and care the child higher than that reported by Asoba et al. (2019)
receives all affect its wellbeing (Michaelsen et al., (22.6%) in the Mount Cameroon area. Differences in
2017). This finding is in line with the observations by study design might have accounted for this wide
Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) variation in rates. The study in Port Harcourt was a
which also observed that vulnerability to infection is longitudinal and interventional study and since active
very high between ages 6-24 months of a child's life mobilization and monitoring have been documented to
(FANTA, 2001). In addition, a study by Uyoga et al. positively impact EBF practices, the reported higher
(2017) among children showed that children who were rates in these locations could be attributed to these
breastfed for 6-10 months were more prone to interventions. This study being a cross-sectional
illnesses due to decrease in iron stores and immunity design would have been devoid of such influence.
gotten from the mother after delivery. It is true that Complementary breastfeeding which involves the use
breastfeeding keeps the infant away from of both breast milk, infant formula and other non-milk
contamination, but after 3-4 months of age, breast feeds was practiced by significantly more (68.4%) by
milk alone is not sufficient to satisfy the nutritional older women (39 – 45 years). This is probably due to
requirement. Other food items are being introduced the fact that older mothers usually start introducing
even though breast feeding should be continued at other types of feeds as child gets older and able to
least up to second year of life. Previous research has tolerate these feeds in order to give them (mothers)
indicated that breastfed infants have fewer infections time to attend to other activities. Although not
and hospitalizations rate (Ogbo et al., 2016). The significant, mothers who have attended university
current study showed that children who were only level of education practiced EBF (57.9%). Mothers
breastfed experienced lower respiratory diseases as with higher education will more likely understand and
compared to children who received other formula be better informed of the benefits of EBF thus delay
food. Past studies have shown that infants who receive introduction of other feeds compared to mothers with
other food substances had lower opportunities for lower educational attainment. This is similar to a
receiving antibodies and other immune complexes significant finding by Lawoyin et al. (2001) in a study
from their mothers (Palmeira and Carneiro-Sampaio, at Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. This study also revealed
1992; Hosea et al., 2008). It is also possible that the that both employed and non-employed mothers’
relationship between bottle feeding and respiratory practice significantly higher EBF than complementary
diseases is evident because bottle feeding may feeding. They may be due to high level of awareness
promote a higher rate of swallowing and more and correct knowledge of EBF and its practice. It was
frequent interruption of breathing, which may increase evident from this study that awareness and knowledge
the risk for micro-aspiration, and can lead to chest do equate to practice. However, some studies have
infection (Kim et al., 2011). Findings from the study reported a mismatch between knowledge and practice
showed that children Marital status influenced malaria of EBF (Uchendu et al., 2009). Also, this high level of
infection and mothers who were divorced/separated awareness and practice of EBF may be due to the
reported having the highest prevalence of malaria dissemination of information on EBF which has
among their children. Studies have shown that helped resolve potential challenges previously faced
marriage has advantages on the health outcomes of by mothers.
individuals and children (Wood et al., 2007). A
Conclusions
spouse may improve economic well-being (Lerman,
The overall prevalence of malaria was 17.9%. Malaria
2002) as well as play an important role in monitoring
was highly associated with children who were not
and encouraging healthy behaviors (Umberson, 1987).
breastfed (62.5%) while children who used breast milk
This could be attributed to the challenges faced by
only had no malaria. Children from Tiko reported the
single parents in raising a family especially the
highest cases of malaria. Malaria positive status
farmers who are of low socio-economic status. The
increases with increase in age. Among mothers,
parental care given to the children is minimal as the
child’s age, mother’s age, level of education, marital
mother spends more time sourcing for income to cater
status and family monthly income was associated with
for the needs of the family as a whole. Different socio-
malaria. On average 55.5% of the babies were on EBF
demographic characters of the participants including
meanwhile, 45.5% were on complementary feeding.
study area, age group, marital status and employment
Exclusively breast feeding was practiced more by
status were all associated with infant feeding methods.
mothers in Limbe (61.6%) than in Buea (59.3%) and
On average, 55.5% of the babies were on EBF
Tiko (45.6%). Mothers in the age group 18 – 24 years
meanwhile, 45.5% were on complementary feeding.
exclusively breastfed their children (55.6%) while,

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
mothers between 39 – 45 years had the highest Influence of infant feeding practices on the
proportion of children who were given occurrence of malnutrition, malaria and
complementary feeding (68.4%). anaemia in children <5 years in the Mount
Recommendations Cameroon area: A cross sectional study.
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