Prévalence et déterminants de l’introduction précoce des aliments de compléments chez les mères des nourrissons de moins de 6 mois dans le district sanitaire de Rumonge au Burundi en 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Early introduction of complementary feeding (EICF) before six months is a major public health issue, as it compromises the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with EICF among under 6 months infants in the Rumonge Health District, Burundi. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 137 mothers of infants aged less than 6 months in six health centers of the Rumonge health district, selected using systematic sampling. Participating mothers were selected through simple random sampling from attendance registers of infants attending curative and preventive services. Data were collected face-to-face using a structured questionnaire administered via the KoboCollect application. Data were downloaded the to Excel 2021, exported and statistically analysed using Stata 15 software. The association between early introduction of complementary foods and independent variables was assessed using the Odds Ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The Chi-square test of homogeneity was used to compare proportions. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.20 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The final model was evaluated for its reliability using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The prevalence of EICF was high (19,7%). Infants aged 5 months had a significantly higher risk of EICF (aOR = 8.40; p = 0.044). Mather with primary education level was protective against EICF (aOR = 0.053; p = 0.009) while the size of household (≥7 members) and frequent infections increased the risk (aOR = 19.47; p = 0.012 and aOR = 47.97; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The magnitude of EICF in the Rumonge Health District was mainly influenced by the child’s age, maternal education, household size, and the child’s health status. Interventions should focus on improving maternal education, strengthening family support, and preventing childhood infections in order to promote exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age.