Feeding practices of children aged 0 to 24 months with clefts attending a specialized hospital in Uganda

Background: Appropriate feeding practices are vital for child nutrition. Despite a low incidence of 0.73 in 1000, Ugandan children with oral clefts face feeding difficulties that affect their feeding practices, nutrition status and health.Objective: To determine the feeding practices, techniques and maternal feeding knowledge among children with oral clefts attending Comprehensive Rehabilitative Services of Uganda (CoRSU) HospitalMethods: This survey was part of a cross-sectional study on feeding practices, mothers’ experiences and support. We consecutively sampled 32 mothers of children with oral clefts aged 0 to 24 months attending CoRSU hospital between April and May, 2018. A structured questionnaire collected data on feeding practices, techniques and maternal feeding knowledge. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: Most children (56%) had cleft lip and palate. Early initiation of breastfeeding was 44% and exclusive breastfeeding was 35%. None continued breastfeeding beyond 12 months. Timely introduction of complementary foods was 75%. 58% met the minimum dietary diversity score, 83% met the minimum meal frequency and 33% received a minimum acceptable diet. 75% of the mothers used bottles, cups and spoons in feeding their children. Majority preferred the specialized soft bottle (50%). 28% of the mothers were knowledgeable on the World Health Organization recommended feeding practices. Conclusions: This cleft group had suboptimal feeding practices since none of the children breastfed beyond 12 months and only one third received an acceptable diet. Varied feeding techniques were employed to improve feeding; majority preferred the specialized soft bottle. Most mothers had inadequate knowledge on feeding. There is need to improve the feeding guidance given to mothers of children with oral clefts. Our findings can guide the design of appropriate feeding interventions for this group.