Peer-reviewed article
Feeding practices, growth and micronutrient status (iron, vitamin A and iodine) among breastfed infants younger than 12 months in Thulamela Municipality, South Africa: a cross-sectional study protocol
Tshilidzi Dephney Ndou, Lindelani Fhumudzani Mushaphi, Ngoako Solomon Mabapa ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5This is a study protocol describing planned research on breastfeeding practices and micronutrient status among infants under 12 months in Thulamela Municipality, South Africa. The study will measure iron, vitamin A, and iodine levels, along with growth and feeding practices, in about 193 mother-infant pairs. It uses questionnaires, physical measurements, and blood tests to assess nutritional status. The results are expected to help guide future nutrition policies and breastfeeding programs in rural South Africa, but no findings are reported yet since this is only the study plan.
Key points
- The study will recruit 193 mother-infant pairs from primary healthcare facilities in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province.
- Sample size was calculated based on a 13.1% prevalence estimate, 95% confidence level, and 5% margin of error.
- Data collection includes questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical analyses of iron, vitamin A, iodine, and inflammation markers.
- Haemoglobin will be measured with a HemoCue analyzer and micronutrients with a Q-Plex Human Micronutrient Array.
- The study aims to describe breastfeeding practices, growth patterns, and micronutrient deficiency prevalence to inform nutrition policy.
Limitations
As a study protocol, it contains no results or findings yet; it only describes planned methods, so no conclusions about infant nutrition or deficiencies can be drawn from this document.
Abstract
Background Adequate infant nutrition is essential for optimal growth, cognitive development, and overall health. Although breastfeeding is the recommended source of nutrition during infancy, micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, vitamin A, iodine deficiencies, and anaemia, remain major public health concerns in developing countries. In South Africa, especially in rural communities, limited information exists on breastfeeding practices and the micronutrient status of breastfed infants and their mothers. This study aims to assess feeding practices, growth patterns, and the prevalence of iron, vitamin A, and iodine deficiencies among breastfed infants younger than 12 months in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study will be conducted among breastfeeding mothers and their infants aged less than 12 months attending selected primary healthcare facilities in Thulamela Municipality. Based on a prevalence estimate of 13.1%, a 95% confidence level, and a 5% margin of error, a minimum sample size of 175 participants was calculated. After accounting for a 10% non-response rate, 193 mother-infant pairs will be recruited using a multistage sampling procedure. Data collection will include interviewer-administered questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical analyses. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and breastfeeding practices will be obtained through structured questionnaires. Maternal and infant anthropometric measurements will be recorded, while haemoglobin concentration will be measured using the HemoCue® Hb 201+ Analyzer. Serum biomarkers of iron, vitamin A, iodine status, and inflammation will be analysed using the Q-Plex™ Human Micronutrient Array. Data will be analysed using SPSS. Results and Conclusion : The study is expected to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency, anaemia, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency, describe breastfeeding practices and growth patterns, and explore associations between maternal and infant nutritional status. Findings will provide evidence to guide nutrition interventions, breastfeeding promotion strategies, and public health policies aimed at improving maternal and child health in rural South African communities.