TITLE:
Factors Associated with Poor Complementary Feeding Practices in Infants Aged 0 - 24 Months at the Mother and Child University Hospital of N’Djamena
AUTHORS:
Ousman Kadallah Ildjima, Ngaringuem Adrienne, Danama Kadre Aché, Hagré Youssouf Djidita, Adam Annour Hassan, Tidjani Adelsalam
KEYWORDS:
Complementary Feeding, Infant, Associated Factors, Complementary Nutrition, N’Djamena
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Complementary feeding, a key stage during the first 1000 days of life, remains insufficiently practiced in Chad, exposing children to early nutritional risks. This study aimed to identify factors associated with poor complementary feeding practices among infants aged 0 - 24 months followed at the Mother and Child University Hospital of N’Djamena. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted from December 1, 2024, to April 31, 2025. All infants aged 0 - 24 months seen in consultation, vaccination, or hospitalization were included. Sociodemographic, medical, and nutritional data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Complementary feeding practices were assessed using a score derived from Ruel and Menon (12 points), with poor practice defined as a score Results: Among the 200 mother-child pairs included, 60% of infants exhibited poor complementary feeding practices. This was independently associated with low maternal education level (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2 - 5.3; p = 0.01), absence of professional nutritional counseling (aOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3 - 5.9; p = 0.007), family income Conclusion: Complementary feeding practices remain predominantly inappropriate and are closely linked to socioeconomic conditions and access to information. Strengthening nutritional education and support for vulnerable households is a priority.