Understanding infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices among Muslim mothers/caregivers: A qualitative study in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26596/wn.202415323-32
Keywords: complementary feeding, continued breastfeeding, food marketing, Muslim mothers, young children, breastfeeding, infant feeding, cultural traditions

Abstract

Background
The study focused on understanding infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) among Muslim mothers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines.
Objective
Recognizing the cultural and religious sensitivities associated with these practices, the research aimed to identify influencing factors and assess the influence of advertisements on maternal decisions regarding infants' and children's diets.
Methods
A total of 74 Muslim mothers with infants 6-23 months old were recruited and participated in the focus group discussions (FGD). Ten FGD sessions were conducted in Maguindanao Province, Philippines from July to August 2021. Verbatim transcriptions of audio-recorded discussions were transcribed into Microsoft Word files and QSR NVivo version 12 was used in the coding and analysis of the transcripts.
Results
Mothers exhibited limited awareness of such important complementary feeding issues as preferring fruits and vegetables while avoiding junk food as chips. IYCF information came primarily from health workers and other mothers - their own mothers, mothers-in-law, and midwives. Television commercials were identified as particularly influential in shaping maternal feeding decisions.
Conclusions
There was a diversity of breastfeeding practices and limited knowledge, especially of complementary feeding among these Muslim mothers. Both traditional beliefs and marketing were said to influence feeding choices. This underscores the need for culturally-sensitive interventions and targeted educational initiatives to enhance maternal knowledge and advocate for optimal infant feeding practices within Muslim communities, as well as regulation of the marketing of commercial infant foods.

Author Biographies

Divine Grace C. Domingo, Institution of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

Assistant Professor, Nutritional Sciences Division, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

 

Maria Theresa M. Talavera, University of the Philippines Los Banos

Professor, Nutritional Sciences Division, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

Angelina Rosario Bustos, Institution of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

Associate Professor, Nutrition Policy and Planning Division, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

 

Leila Sacdalan Africa, Institution of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

Professor, Nutrition Policy and Planning Division, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

 

Angelina Felix, Institution of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

Associate Professor, Nutrition Policy and Planning Division, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos

 

Ana Teresa Orillo, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Arizona, USA

Former Faculty Member of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food; currently working as Nutritionist-Dietitian, at the Chandler Regional Medical Center, Arizona, USA

 

Nancy Tandang, Institution of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos

Associate Professor, Institution of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos

 

Jigzcel Divine Basoy, University of Southern Mindanao

Instructor, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences, University of Southern Mindanao

Warren Tak Keung Lee, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Senior Nutrition & Food Systems Officer, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Bangkok, Thailand

Maria Cecila F. Pastores, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Philippine Office

National Food Security and Nutrition Specialist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Philippine Office

Published
2024-09-30
Issue
Vol 15 No 3 (2024)
Section
Original research
Copyright (c) 2024 Divine Grace C. Domingo, Maria Theresa M. Talavera, Angelina Rosario Bustos, Leila Sacdalan Africa, Angelina Felix, Ana Teresa Orillo, Nancy Tandang, Jigzcel Divine Basoy, Warren Tak Keung Lee, Maria Cecila F. Pastores

Authors retain all copyrights. In making a submission to World Nutrition, they are certifying that all material is theirs except quotations, as indicated, and that they have obtained permission for any photos, tables, or graphics taken from other publications or websites.