Dietary Practices and Nutritional Status of Infants (Aged 0–6 Months) in N’Djamena, Chad

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding provides the optimal nutritional source to ensure harmonious infant growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as an infant receiving only breast milk during the first six months of life, without any other liquid or solid intake. Globally, 38% of infants benefit from EBF during their first half-year of life. In Chad, this rate drops concerns to only 7.3%. Aims: The study aims to evaluate the dietary practices and nutritional status of infants aged 0 to 6 months (drawn from a 0–23 month cohort) in order to formulate recommendations to promote breastfeeding in N’Djamena. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted within four health districts in the city of N’Djamena. Data were collected through direct face-to-face interviews with mothers using a questionnaire, supplemented by anthropometric measurements of the infants. Data processing and statistical analysis were performed using IBM SPSS software version 25.0. Results: The study reveals a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, standing at only 9.9%. Concurrently, a high prevalence of malnutrition was observed among the children: 16.4% for acute malnutrition (wasting), 32.9% for the chronic form (stunting), and 30% for underweight. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that inadequate dietary practices severely impact the nutritional status of infants. To sustainably reduce infant malnutrition in Chad, it is imperative to design strategies based on nutritional education. Such interventions would optimize mothers' feeding habits and ensure better growth outcomes for children.