“Feeding a child slowly:” a responsive feeding behavior component likely to reduce stunting: Population-based observations from rural Zambia

Abstract

Zambia has a very high prevalence of stunting (40%). Child feeding behaviors such as “feeding the child slowly” are now receiving attention in addressing child undernutrition, particularly stunting. A study was undertaken in two rural areas of Zambia and mothers of 295 children 6–24 months old were questioned about their feeding behaviors including “feeding a child slowly.” The study found reduced stunting among children older than one year who were fed slowly, had been dewormed, and consumed thicker (more energy-dense) foods. It is recommended that these feeding practices should be incorporated in health promotion interventions to reduce the burden of malnutrition.