Feeding and general developmental outcomes of infants in an underserved community

Abstract

Background: There are prevalent environmental risk factors present in low- and middle-income countries, placing infants in underserved communities at an increased risk for feeding and developmental difficulties. Aim: The aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between feeding characteristics and general developmental outcomes in infants aged six to twelve months in an underserved South African community. Method: Data on 144 infants’ feeding and development (mean age [SD] = 8,8 months [2,2]) from a primary health care clinic in the Gauteng province of South Africa were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected using a background information questionnaire and the Montreal Children’s Hospital – Feeding Scale, Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment, Parent’s Evaluation of Developmental Status, and Parent’s Evaluation of Developmental Status – Developmental Milestones. The spearman’s rho and phi-coefficient were used to determine associations between the infants’ feeding characteristics and developmental outcomes. Results: Early introduction of cup feeding was found to be a predictor of possible expressive language and articulation difficulties. Gagging, spitting, or vomiting, pocketing, the use of force feeding, and poor sucking and chewing abilities were significantly associated with behavioural and social-emotional difficulties. Breastfeeding was found to be a protective factor for language development. Conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of primary preventive strategies and the early identification of risk factors in late infancy in underserved communities. Furthermore, the use of a transdisciplinary approach in early intervention services was highlighted to prevent the fragmentation of services and reduce the burden on primary health care in South Africa. Key words: infant feeding, infant development, low- and middle-income countries, underserved community, early intervention, South Africa.