Research & Practice
Examination of the Associations Between Indices of Maternal Capabilities on Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Nutrition Status Among Children in East and Southern Africa
Undernutrition in children is a leading underlying cause of child death globally. Previous research has shown that inappropriate or suboptimal infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) play an essential role in the development of undernutrition. Implementing the IYCF correctly significantly decreases the likelihood of a child being malnourished. However, many low and middle-income countries fall short in implementing these nutrition recommendations. One theory as to why IYCF practices are not being implemented appropriately is related to caregiver capabilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between caregiver capabilities and IYCF practices and nutrition outcomes in children across the East and Southern Africa region. We hypothesize that greater presence of caregiver capabilities—measured as a decision-making domain, bodily integrity domain, and overall capability index— will be associated with a decreased stunting and wasting incidence and will be positively associated with mother’s IYCF practices.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): Master's Thesis
Author(s): Courtney Davis
Program(s): Master of Science
Year: 2017
Adviser(s):