Effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers of Children under 5 Years in the Peri-Urban Areas of Bobo-Dioulasso: Before and after Study

Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention. This intervention aimed to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers on food safety in the peri-urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were administered the FAO questionnaire for food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices assessment during two cross-sectional surveys, before and after the intervention, in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on food safety KAP of mothers of children under 5 years. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of them were between 20 and 29 years old. One for knowledge (cooking thoroughly with, p-value = 0.0001) and another for attitudes (perceived benefits of reheating leftovers before eating them, p-value = 0.0001), significantly increased after the intervention. In terms of food safety practices, all the indicators (cleaning of dirty surfaces, plates and utensils and storage of perishable foods) significantly increased (all p = 0.0001 Conclusion: This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention for improving maternal KAP on food safety for their child’s feeding.

Mothers’challenges and experiences of children with cerebral palsy:a qualitative meta-synthesis

Objective:To examine what challenges and experiences a mother faces in caring for children with cerebral palsy(CP).As the main caregiver of children with CP,mothers are under multiple pressures.Even though mothers’challenges and experiences of children with CP will affect their quality of life and the rehabilitation of the children,little is known about their challenges and experiences during the whole care.Methods:A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to extract and analyze qualitative research from the PubMed,CINAHL,PsycINFO,Web of Science,Ovid and MEDLINE databases.Thirteen articles were selected and analyzed using thematic syntheses.Results:From 2522 screened abstracts,84 texts were reviewed,and 13 studies met the inclusion criteria.Mothers’challenges and experiences of children with CP include 4 themes,both positive and negative.Conclusions:The mothers of children with CP suffer from physical burden,as well as psychological pressure,in the care experience;social and healthcare support are their main challenges.Interventions to help them face the difficulties and adapt to the role of caregivers as soon as possible should target multiple aspects in order to maximize effectiveness,to promote the healthy growth of children with CP.

Effect of Continuous Care on Postpartum Anxiety among Primipara Mothers in China

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous care on postpartum anxiety in primipara mothers in China.Methods:A quasi-experimental,non-equivalent control group design was employed.The initial screening involved 120 primipara women from two hospitals in Shandong Province.Based on the inclusion criteria,60 eligible primipara mothers were selected to participate in the study.Results:The findings indicated that continuous care significantly reduced the anxiety levels of primipara mothers,as shown by a marked decrease in the scores on a researcher-developed anxiety scale.Conclusion:Continuous care has been proven to be an effective intervention for alleviating postpartum anxiety in Chinese primipara mothers and has a positive impact on their mental health and postpartum recovery.

Acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) by Mothers with Low-Birth-Weight Babies at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, in Ndola, Zambia

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care is a simple safe method used to care for low-birth-weight babies. Low-birth-weight is a global public health issue that pose significant challenge to perinatal care systems. Globally, complications due to low-birth-weight are the leading cause of neonatal mortality, resulting in an estimated 1 million deaths annually. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a low-cost method of care for low-birth-weight infants in areas with inadequate incubators and power outages with positive outcomes. Objectives: To assess factors influencing acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in NICU at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, Zambia. Methodology: A cross sectional quantitative analytical study design was used. The study was conducted at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital (ADCH) in Ndola, Zambia. The purposive sampling method was used to select the study participants and a total of 129 mothers with Low Weight Babies A were selected to participate structured closed ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants using an interview. Data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software version 26. Cross tabulations were done to determine association of variables using a Chi square (x2) test at 95% confidence interval and were assumptions where not met, fishers exact test was used. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Most of the respondents had male babies 77%, 69% of the babies weighed 1000 g - 1400 g, majority 79% had normal delivery, 71% of the respondents were multigravida and most of the respondents 79% were married. The study reviewed that 85% of those who attained secondary education accepted KMC, 74% of the respondents without monthly income accepted KMC, 80% of the respondents had positive attitude and accepted KMC. 82% of the respondents who had positive perception accepted KMC. Conclusion: Acceptance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) among 75% of the mothers underscores its widespread favourability as a beneficial method for infant care.

日本创业板市场退市监管机制及其绩效研究——以MOTHERS市场为例

创业板是风险企业和创业企业融资的重要平台,其退市制度的设立和实施对该市场的发展意义重大。通过对日本MOTHERS市场退市制度进行研究,发现其具有如下特点:首先,日本采取"直接退市"制度避免了对壳资源的炒作;其次,创业板上市公司退市的相关条款中,"市场标准"多于"财务标准";再次,虽然MOTHERS目前成交金额处于低位,但MOTHERS退市制度并未就此放松。

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms,Parenting Stress and Social Support in Chinese Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Although little is known about the current situation regarding autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in main land China,psychiatric disorders are common among Chinese mothers of preschool children with ASD.Previous studies showed ASD child's behavioral symptoms,maternal anxiety,and maternal depressive symptoms were associated with overall parenting stress in northern China.In the present study,we retrospectively analyzed medical records at the hospital related to neuropsychiatric symptoms,parenting stress and social support in mothers of children with ASD from southern China.A total of 80 mothers of children with ASD were screened.Among them,34 mothers were in low-functioning ASD group(L-ASD group)and 46 mothers were in highfunctioning ASD group(H-ASD group).Identification of the ASD cases was confirmed with a Revised Autism Diagnostic Inventory.Neuropsychiatric symptoms,parenting stress and social support were measured by neuropsychiatric inventory(NPI),parenting stress index short form(PSISF),and multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support(MSPSS).Total mean score of the NPI in the L-ASD group was significantly higher than that in the H-ASD group(P<0.01).The subscale scores of NPI,including depression,anxiety,apathy,irritability,agitation,night time behavior disturbances and change in appetite were significantly higher in the L-ASD group than those in the H-ASD group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Meanwhile,the total PSI-SF scores and the scores of parental distress(PD),parental-child dysfunctional interaction(PCDI)and difficult child(DC)in the L-ASD group were significantly higher than those in the H-ASD group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).The total score of MSPSS was also higher in the L-ASD group than in the H-ASD group(P<0.01).This study goes further to show the neuropsychiatric symptoms and parenting stress are significantly higher in mothers of children with ASD,and more social supports are needed for mothers of children with ASD from southern China,especially for mothers of children with low-functioning ASD.

Cardiometabolic effects of breastfeeding on infants of diabetic mothers

BACKGROUND Breast milk is the best and principal nutritional source for neonates and infants.It may protect infants against many metabolic diseases,predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a chronic metabolic and microvascular disease that affects all the body systems and all ages from intrauterine life to late adulthood.Breastfeeding protects against infant mortality and diseases,such as necrotizing enterocolitis,diarrhoea,respiratory infections,viral and bacterial infection,eczema,allergic rhinitis,asthma,food allergies,malocclusion,dental caries,Crohn's disease,and ulcerative colitis.It also protects against obesity and insulin resistance and increases intelligence and mental development.Gestational diabetes has short and long-term impacts on infants of diabetic mothers(IDM).Breast milk composition changes in mothers with gestational diabetes.AIM To investigate the beneficial or detrimental effects of breastfeeding on the cardiometabolic health of IDM and their mothers.METHODS We performed a database search on different engines and a thorough literature review and included 121 research published in English between January 2000 and December 15,2022,in this review.RESULTS Most of the literature agreed on the beneficial effects of breast milk for both the mother and the infant in the short and long terms.Breastfeeding protects mothers with gestational diabetes against obesity and type 2 DM.Despite some evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding on IDM in the short and long term,the evidence is not strong enough due to the presence of many confounding factors and a lack of sufficient studies.CONCLUSION We need more comprehensive research to prove these effects.Despite many obstacles that may enface mothers with gestational diabetes to start and maintain breastfeeding,every effort should be made to encourage them to breastfeed.

Maternal Separation Affects Mothers’ Affective and Reproductive Behaviors as Well as Second Offspring’s Emotionality

Daily separation of rat pups from their mothers while the preweaning period has an impact on behavior and stress response of pups. We hypothesized that maternal separation may create a depression-like state in mother rats from which we separate the rat pups and decrease their reproductive function and fertility. Also, we aimed to evaluate the transmission degree of depression and anxiety across generations. Females aged 3 months were divided in two groups of 10 rats each. After a first mating and a first parturition, we conducted maternal separation 3 h during 22 days for the experienced group while the control group mothers kept their pups. At 4 months of age, females underwent behavioral tests and a second mating. Second generation’s pups were also subjected to behavioral tests. Behavioral tests showed that mothers which experienced separation were more depressive and anxious than control ones, also they had a lower litter size. Rats pups of the second generation whose mothers experienced maternal separation also revealed behavior changes akin to depression and anxiety. Thus, maternal separation causes depressive and anxious-likestates on mother rats which experienced separation and has an impact on their litter size. Also, consequences of maternal separation seem to last throughout generations.

Practice environment related barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among HIV-positive mothers in Blantyre, Malawi

Rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Malawi remain low despite the acknowledged benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the infant’s wellbeing and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Creating an environment supportive of exclusive breastfeeding is critical to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among HIV-positive mothers. However, little is known on factors that influence the environment within which HIV-positive mothers in Malawi practise exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, the exploratory qualitative study on which this article is based was conducted at the Chatinkha maternity unit of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi from April 16, 2009 to May 8, 2009 to explore perceived practice environment related barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among HIV-positive mothers. Data were obtained through indepth interviews with 16 purposively selected breastfeeding HIV-positive mothers between 18 and 35 years old and two focus group discussions with women of unknown HIV status. Semi-structured interview and focus group guides were utilised. Content analysis of data was done. Five main themes emerged regarding factors that may influence the environment within which exclusive breastfeeding was practised: 1) availability of resources;2) societal norms and cultural practices;3) mother-baby proximity;4) health workers’ attitudes and 5) disclosure of the mothers’ HIV status. A multi-sectoral approach to promote exclusive breastfeeding is suggested. This?should include community involvement because it is in the community where breastfeeding norms and cultural practices associated with breast-feeding are propagated.

Maternal Predictors for Quality of Life during the Postpartum in Brazilian Mothers

Introduction: The postpartum period can have a significant physical, emotional, and social impact on the quality of a woman’s life. Most postpartum research has focused on physical complications and only a few studies have specifically investigated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore predictors affecting the quality of life of postpartum Brazilian mothers. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional Quality of Life survey was performed in 210 Brazilian mothers during the early postpartum period. Data were collected using an interview technique and two instruments: 1) a maternal questionnaire and the 2) Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life tool/Brazilian version. The association between maternal characteristics and quality of life in the post-partum period was investigated with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Mothers who had the best Quality of Life were white, registered students, 30 - 40 years of age, who were married or living with a partner, and without physical complaints;in addition, they had at least an 8th grade education, more than 4 children, and had attended more than 8 prenatal visits with a nurse. The stepwise model indicated that white race (p < 0.05) and married or living with a partner (p < 0.05) were the best predictors of Quality of Life in postpartum women. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: Marital status and race conditions may predict quality of life in postpartum Brazilian mothers. In addition, improved knowledge concerning the postpartum, maternal experience may help develop health interventions to enhance the quality of life of this population.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight among Teenage Mothers in New Mulago Hospital： A Cross Sectional Study

The World Health Organization defines low birth weight （LBW） as a new born having a weight of less than 2,500 g at birth. Low birth weight is one of the major determinants of perinatal survival, infant morbidity and mortality as well as the risk of developmental disabilities and illnesses in future lives. WHO estimates that about 30 million low birth weight babies are born annually （23.4% of all births） and they often face short and long term health consequences. Whereas the global prevalence of LBW has slightly declined, the rate in many developing countries is still quite high. In Uganda, low birth weight among teenage mothers is a problem. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with low birth weight among teenage mothers in New Mulago hospital. We conducted an analytical cross sectional study among teenage mothers who delivered from new Mulago Hospital Complex labour suite from August 2013 to August 2014. Trained interviewers, administered pre-tested questionnaires to consecutive mothers to obtain information on their socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and child factors. Odds ratios and P-values were calculated to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. We also used descriptive statistics for the quantitative data. A total of 357 teenage mothers were enrolled on the study. Their mean age was 18 years （Range 13-19）, majority, 98.4% aged 15-19 years. The prevalence of LBW was 25.5%. Pre-term delivery （OR 3.3032, P = 0.0001） and multiple pregnancies （OR 0.165, P = 0.039） were associated with LBW. Malaria, young maternal age and ANC attendance were not associated with LBW. Child factors such as birth order, congenital anomalies and sex of the baby were also not associated with LBW. The prevalence of LBW is high among teenage mothers, pre-term delivery and multiple pregnancies were associated factors with LBW. Health professional＇s need to address teenage maternal health. Health workers should encourage teenage mothers to attend focused antenatal care as recommended by the Uganda ministry of Health. A specialized maternal facility centre that is friendly for adolescent/teenage mothers is advisable so as to improve on completion rates and capture high risk teenage mothers early.

Parenting Stress of Chinese Mothers Living and Child-Rearing in Japan and Related Factors

Background: Parenting stress causes physical and psychological problems for mothers during child-rearing and negatively impacts the growth and development of their children. We assumed that Chinese mothers living in Japan would experience particularly high levels of parenting stress and difficulty because they had to leave the environment in which they were born and raised in a different language and culture. Objective: The objective is to identify the actual situation and related factors of parenting stress among Chinese mothers in Japan. Methods: From July to October 2021, an online, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was administered to the mothers of children aged 6 months to 5 years, and the data from 93 mothers were statistically analyzed. Results: Mothers in the study had one (45.2%) or two (45.2%) children in their care, and 23.7% of the mothers’ husbands were Japanese. The average score of total PSI-SF-15 of the mothers in this study was slightly higher than that of mothers raising children in China. Additionally, “I think it is a shame not to practice Chinese customs”, “I feel that Chinese customs are not respected”, “the number of children with diagnosed diseases”, “Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) total score” and “father’s nationality” influenced the parenting stress of the mothers in this study. Conclusion: In order to reduce parenting stress among Chinese mothers in Japan, it is necessary to respect and support the practice of Chinese customs, create an environment in which it is easy to discuss children’s illnesses, and educate mothers to promote the use of social support.

Childhood malaria in the Niger delta area of Nigeria:mothers/care givers'perception,definition and treatment practices

Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate mothers/care givers perception of malaria,their treatment practices and the effects on the outcome of malaria.Methods:Four hundred and sixty children were enrolled and their mothers/care givers interviewed.The children were screened for malaria parasitaemia and there after,blood specimens were obtained for biochemical and haematological evaluation from those children who met the criteria and tested positive to P.falciparum parasites.Packed cell volume,electrolytes,urea, creatinine,plasma glucose,and serum bilirubin were analyzed.Results:A total of 460 children were studied, 233(50.7%) males and 227(49.3%) females.Mild malaria cases were 112(24.3%) and severe malaria 348(75.7%).Those who presented early 106(23.0%) and those who presented late 354(77.0%).Perception and definition of malaria as well as the treatment seeking behaviors vary significantly with the level of education of the mothers and care givers.Those without formal education 68(51.9%) wrongly perceived that the etiology of malaria can only be diagnosed by native doctors compared to those with primary six education 61 (26.5%) and junior secondary education 10(10.1%).Only 43(9.3%) gave the correct dose of chloroquine syrup to their sick children,while 32(7.0%) gave at sub optimal doses.Conclusion:Wrong perception of malaria especially the complicated malaria and wrong treatment practices are major contributory factors to the high mortality and morbidity of malaria in Nigeria.There is therefore a need for health education to correct the wrong ideas about the cause and treatment practices of malaria as part of malaria control programme.

Mothers overcoming remorse to care for self and baby:An emerging concept

Objectives:Mothers with substance use disorder(SUD)experience a range of emotions such as feeling ostracized,diminished,and distressed while watching their baby experience withdrawal from substances.Being fully present in the now moment is to trust self to do what is best by moving beyond perceived boundaries to care for self and baby.The process of concept building arose from nursing practice encounters in a special care nursery(SCN)for babies who experienced withdrawal from substances.Method:Liehr and Smith’s 10-phase concept building approach was used to guide the development of this concept.Concept building began with a practice story.The emerging concept was named,core qualities identified,and supported through a literature review.The middle range theory of uncertainty in illness was chosen to serve as theoretical support for the concept.A model was created to provide clarity on the relationships within the concept.Result:A mini-saga was gathered from a mother in the SCN whose newborn had experienced withdrawal from substances.The minisaga follows:Due to the baby’s discomfort and judging eyes of the staff,she was unable to mother her baby.As the baby recovered,she asked for help,comforted her baby,and gained confidence to move beyond perceived boundaries to become the mother she envisioned.Overcoming perceived boundaries to attend to self and baby is trusting oneself to do what is best in spite of feeling ostracized,diminished,and distressed while watching baby withdraw from substances.Conclusion:This concept provides the perspective of mothers with SUD through intermodernism from experiences in nursing practice.The Uncertainty in Illness theory further allows practitioners to gain an understanding of the role uncertainty plays in this unique situation.

Multiple roles of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, drug resistance, and cancer therapy

The transforming growth factor(TGF)-βsignaling pathway controls many cellular processes,including proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis.Abnormalities in the TGF-βsignaling pathway and its components are closely related to the occurrence of many human diseases,including cancer.Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4(Smad4),also known as deleted in pancreatic cancer locus 4,is a typical tumor suppressor candidate gene locating at q21.1 of human chromosome 18 and the common mediator of the TGF-β/Smad and bone morphogenetic protein/Smad signaling pathways.It is believed that Smad4 inactivation correlates with the development of tumors and stem cell fate decisions.Smad4 also interacts with cytokines,miRNAs,and other signaling pathways,jointly regulating cell behavior.However,the regulatory function of Smad4 in tumorigenesis,stem cells,and drug resistance is currently controversial.In addition,Smad4 represents an attractive therapeutic target for cancer.Elucidating the specific role of Smad4 is important for understanding the mechanism of tumorigenesis and cancer treatment.Here,we review the identification and characterization of Smad4,the canonical TGF-β/Smad pathway,as well as the multiple roles of Smad4 in tumorigenesis,stem cells,and drug resistance.Furthermore,we provide novel insights into the prospects of Smad4-targeted cancer therapy and the challenges that it will face in the future.

A Cameroonian Traditional Cake (<i>Komba</i>) Prepared Using Yellow Maize Reduce Vitamin A Deficiency in Lactating Mothers

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a widespread public health problem in developing nations affecting greatly pregnant and lactating women. To alleviate the deficiency, many strategies were set up by the Cameroonian authorities. However, the level of VAD is still very high, thus the option of supplementation of foods remains a very important option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a food supplementation with komba, a Cameroonian traditional yellow maize cake, on vitamin A status of lactating mothers in Ngaoundere town. To achieve this, 40 lactating mothers were recruited in four health facilities of the Ngaoundere town. They were dewormed and subdivided in two groups of 20 subjects each and fed for two months. The test group received 200 g of yellow maize cake while the control group received 200 g of white maize. 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess their food intake during the study period. Blood sample were collected at the beginning and the end of the study and the serum retinol determined. Results show that before the supplementation, 45% of the women had inadequate level of serum retinol in each group. At the end of the 2 months of supplementation, 30% of the control group remained inadequate, while the totality of all the women in the test group had adequate serum retinol levels (≥1.05 μmol/l). That means an improvement of the vitamin A status in the test group. Results also show a significant (p < 0.05) increase of 36.3% of serum retinol in the test group against 3.8% in the control group. The women of the test group had more chances to see their serum retinol increasing compared to the control group. Consumption of yellow maize cake therefore improves the vitamin A status of lactating mothers. The population can therefore change their habits to consume yellow maize instead of the white maize variety popularly consumed.

Mothers’ Knowledge Regarding Preventive Measures of Food Poisoning in Yemen

Background: The WHO considers food poisoning the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and the responsible for high levels of loss of productivity in developed countries. Objective: The study aims to assess the mothers’ knowledge about preventive measures of food poisoning in Sharaab, Taiz, Yemen. Method: This is a descriptive study. It was conducted in Sharaab, Yemen during period extended from April to November 2014. It involved 180 mothers selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected by using designed structured and pre-tested questionnaire and then were analyzed by (SPSS) Version 20. Result: The findings showed that 60% of mothers have heard about food poisoning. The mothers’ knowledge about transmission of diseases by food was acceptable;68.9% knew. When they were asked to detail the diseases, cholera was the most reported by about 84.4%, diarrhea 50%, and food poisoning 22.2% only. Regarding the mothers’ knowledge about causes of food poisoning, about 65.5% of them mentioned contaminated food, and 49.4% mentioned contaminated hands while 37.2% of them mentioned contaminated utensils. The total knowledge was calculated;it was about 40.72%. Conclusion: It was found that, mothers’ knowledge about preventive measures of food poisoning is not satisfactory concerning most items including: food related diseases, causes of food poisoning and preventive measures for food poisoning such as hand washing, washing vegetables and cooking appropriately. The mothers in Yemen, Taiz, Sharaab have low level of knowledge about food poisoning prevention. There is a need for strengthening the situation through educational sessions.

Personal Accounts of Mothers’ Use of Social Media to Support Abstinence from Alcohol

Alcohol consumption by professional educated women and mothers is rising. Drinking alcohol in the home is, for many, becoming a normalised and daily ritual. Previous research focuses on causality, risk factors and health related damage. Few studies focus on mothers of school age children specifically or why some mothers pursue and sustain alcohol free lives. The role of social media in enacting and sustaining abstinence is under researched, as are other factors important for this group in remaining abstinent. Aims: This qualitative study explored the reasons why mothers drank alcohol, and factors contributing to their decision to become alcohol free. It also explored the value and utility of social media in the form of a specific website aimed at providing support in abstinence. Methods: Six UK mothers with school age children who had become abstinent after previously drinking over official limits were recruited via social network website and interviewed. Transcripts were analysed thematically and inductive themes emerged. Results: Participants used alcohol to self-medicate, as a reward/relaxation strategy and because it was a normal part of their professional and daily lives. Reported reasons for abstinence included the negative effects alcohol had upon lives, inability to moderate/drink within guidelines and “trigger” events. Participants reported that their use of social media was inspirational, giving them a platform to share stories and help others and was preferred to traditional support. The use of social media in this way represented a supportive community and assisted vigilance toward the danger of relapse. Positive parenting identity, alternatives to alcohol, abstinence rewards and support from abstinent others were all factors in sustaining abstinence. Conclusions: Health professionals should recognise this hidden and hard to reach group and the potential efficacy of social media in assisting recovery from alcohol related issues.

Nutritional Status of Mothers and Its Determinants in Alemtidad Area, Khartoum

Background: Nutritional status of mothers is considered one of the major problems facing mothers in the world. The nutrition plays a major role in mothers and child health. Objective: This study aims to assess mothers’ nutritional status and its determinants in Alemtidad area, Khartoum. Methods: A descriptive community based survey was conducted in the Alemtidad area of Khartoum between November 2012 and December 2012. One hundred and eighty mothers were selected by simple randomization. Data were collected by using structured designed questionnaire which was then analyzed by (SPSS) program version 20. Results: The study conducted among mothers in Alemtidad area;their age ranged between 19 and 86 years with the mean age 38 ± 12 years. From those mothers about half were unemployed, and having mainly primary and secondary educational level. 81.1% of mothers were not able to select the proper food according to age and nutrients and about 71.1% of mothers took two meals per day and 23.3% one meals per day, and only 5.6 take three meals per day. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated to measure the nutrition status of mothers;this study shows that mothers in Alemtidad are mainly overweight and obese, 45.6% and 18% respectively and only 35% within normal range of Body Mass Index (BMI). Conclusion: The study concludes that mothers are either overweight or obese (45.6%, 17.7% respectively). Compared to national and international statistics the findings of this study reflect high Body Mass Index (BMI) of mothers in Alemtidad.

Prelacteal Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic in Harari Region Public Health Facilities, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Breast feeding will have the intended outcome when it is initiated timely and exclusive for the first six months. Introducing prelacteal feeding and inadequate amount of breast milk contributes to over a million avoidable infant deaths each year in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to assess prelacteal feeding practice and associated factors among mothers attending immunization clinic in Harari region government health institutions. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 634 mothers and infants dyads attending ten public health facilities. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. An exit interview using pretested structured questionnaire was conducted about their experience on prelacteal feeding and related experience. Logistic regressions with OR and 95% confidence interval were computed. Result: Two hundred seventy eight (45.4%) of mothers gave prelacteal liquids for their infants. The common pre-lacteal food includes sugar or glucose water 121 (43.5%) followed by milk other than breast milk 70 (25.1%). Home delivery, failure to attend ANC, late breastfeeding initiation and influence by friends were significantly associated with prelacteal feeding. Conclusion: The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was relatively high in the area. Failure to attend ANC, giving birth at home, late initiation of breast feeding and influence of friends and relatives to give prelacteal feeds for their new born infants were found to be positively associated with prelacteal feeding.