Feeding practices among Indonesian children above six months of age: a literature review on their potential determinants (part 2)

Abstract:
Background: Feeding practices among young children are not optimal in Indonesia. Improving these practices is crucial to prevent and reduce malnutrition among young children. A better understanding of the underlying factors to appropriate practices is essential to address barriers and identify opportunities to optimal practices. This paper aims to shed light on potential determinants of feeding practices among children above 6 months of age.
Methods: A systematic research of several databases using combinations of different search terms: feeding, child, Indonesia, MPASI/complementary food, gizi/nutrition, factor, determinant, praktek/practices was conducted. All documents were reviewed using a three-step procedure to assess content appropriateness and research quality. Data were analyzed using the Hector’s framework on behaviour change. Results: Available data on individual factors influencing feeding practices related mainly to mother’s attributes, namely knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and skills. Some of them are positively linked to good practices. Some environmental-related factors such as health services, home and peer environment were conducive to improved practices. Studies on societal factors were mostly restricted to food systems which do not favour optimal feeding practices.
Conclusions: The review provides insights on underlying factors conducive to optimal feeding practices. Yet, relevant and quality research is required to get a better understanding on factors related to the environment and society as well as on how they are related with each other and operate in different contexts. Indonesia has already experimented successful programs which can be used as a reference to strengthen young child feeding practices.