Browsing by Author "Samuels, Stacy-Leigh"
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- ItemField testing of the revised Paediatric Food-Based Dietary Guidelines among mothers/caregivers of children aged 12–36 months in the Stellenbosch Municipality in the Western Cape province, South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Samuels, Stacy-Leigh; Du Plessis, Lisanne Monica; Daniels, Lynette Carmen; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction In order to address the poor nutritional and micronutrient status of children in South Africa, strategies promoting appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are fundamental. One such strategy is the development and revision of the South African Paediatric Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (PFBDG) which promote optimal feeding practices for children between the ages of 0–5 years. Before the PFBDGs are adopted and utilised by the Department of Health (DoH) as an educational tool in South Africa, they require thorough testing for adequacy and comprehension among specific groups, particularly mothers and caregivers. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the appropriateness and understanding of the revised PFBDGs among mothers/caregivers of children aged 12–36 months in the Stellenbosch Municipality in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted. Data was collected from focus-group discussions (FGD) to assess the overall understanding and interpretation of the PFBDGs and to gain insight into previous exposure and the perceived barriers to and enablers of the implementation of the PFBDGs. Nine FGDs were conducted, ranging from 4–11 participants each. A total of 65 mothers/caregivers participated in the study. Results This study revealed that participants expressed a general understanding and interpretation of the core messages contained in the PFBDGs. The PFBDGs regarding breastfeeding and hand washing were the two guidelines that were the most understood by participants. Misinterpretation and confusion arose regarding certain PFBDGs, namely guidelines three, four, eight and nine, which refer to the importance of protein-rich foods, Vitamin A-rich fruit and vegetables, five small meals, and the inclusion of starchy foods, respectively. This was as a result of unfamiliar terminology ambiguity, and examples not being provided. With regard to previous exposure, the findings from this study suggested that participants were familiar with and recognised the majority of the concepts conveyed by the PFBDGs. The predominant sources of nutrition information, listed by participants from informal areas, were clinics, hospitals and nurses. Those from formal areas reported mainly utilising the Internet and books. Strong themes emerging from discussions around the perceived barriers to the implementation of the PFBDGs included cost and affordability, time constraints, accessibility, as well as marketing, while perceived enablers included education, visual effects, improved marketing techniques, and improved accessibility and availability of food. Conclusion In order for the PFBDGs to be implemented successfully, certain aspects need attention. Only through addressing common barriers and making the necessary adaptations, will the PFBDGs be implemented effectively, and thus have the intended outcome on IYCF practices.