Prevalence and determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Inappropriate complementary feeding (CF) increases the risk of the triple burden of malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity. Chiang Mai, a major city in northern Thailand, is experiencing rapid urbanization and growing cultural diversity driven by tourism, which may influence CF practices. However, data on these practices remain limited, emphasizing the need for context-specific interventions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involving 1,122 caregivers of children aged 6-23 months was conducted between January and May 2024. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and 24-hour dietary recalls. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to identify factors associated with inappropriate CF practices.

RESULTS

Inappropriate CF was observed in 64.1% of the children. Dietary diversity increased with age, from an average of three food groups in infants aged 6-11 months to five food groups in children aged 18-23 months. Unhealthy dietary habits were more prevalent among children aged 18-23 months, with 38.4% consuming sweetened beverages and 47.8% consuming unhealthy foods. The key barriers included caregiver uncertainty about appropriate food textures (88.0%), food types (84.8%), and portion sizes (70.2%). The factors significantly associated with a greater risk of inappropriate CF included being a first-time caregiver (aRR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.05-1.31) and the caregiver's perception that the child preferred milk over solid foods (aRR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.17-1.49). Additionally, receiving feeding information from family or friends (aRR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02-1.29) or from healthcare providers (aRR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02-1.33) was associated with a significantly greater risk than using unreliable online sources.

CONCLUSION

Improving CF practices requires focused support for caregivers, particularly first-time parents. Interventions should promote dietary diversity, address common concerns related to CF, and ensure that caregivers have access to reliable nutritional information through accessible and trusted communication channels. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of context-specific interventions tailored to local needs and caregiver characteristics.