Perceptions on the use of commercially produced complementary food among caregivers of children with ages 6–36 months in Barangay 596, Sta. Mesa, Manila

Date

2023

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Abstract

With the increasing availability and use of commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF), there is a growing concern that consumption of these food items among infants and young children may lead to poor nutritional outcomes. This study identified the available CPCF in supermarket chains in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines and examined the frequency of use and reasons for the use of CPCF among caregivers of children with ages 6–36 months. The research is a mixed-methods study and consists of two sub-studies. The research was able to identify 30 commercially produced complementary foods, comprised of dry, powdered and instant cereal starchy food (50.0%), soft-wet spoonable ready-to-eat foods (33.3%), and dry, finger foods and snacks (16.7%). More than half of the identified CPCF (56.7%) met the three general nutritional thresholds set by the World Health Organization Nutrition Profile Model. All the products include nutrition and composition claims, whereas 66.7% did not contain health claims. A total of 30 caregivers participated in the interview where 96.7% were female and 3.3% were male. Only 3 (10.0%) caregivers were aware of complementary feeding and its importance. Majority of the caregivers (83.3%) prefer using local home-prepared foods over CPCF. Findings also showed that the CPCF category commonly consumed was dry, powdered and instant cereal/starchy food. Additionally, the use of CPCF was due to varying reasons including perceived child preference, healthiness, cost, and convenience.

LC Subject

Commercially Produced Complementary Food, Perception, Childhood Nutrition

Document Type

Thesis

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