Mothers' and health workers' exposure to breastmilk substitutes promotions in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Maternal and Child Nutrition

Manisha Tharaney¹  Jillian Emerson¹  Aita Sarr Cisse¹  Firmin Kouassi²  Florence Neto Damey³  Réné Oka Kouamé³ 

[1] Alive & Thrive Initiative FHI Solutions Washington DC USA;Laboratoire Anthropologie Physique et de Biomorphologie University Félix Houphouët Boigny Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire;Programme National de Nutrition Ministère de la Santé, de l'Hygiene Publique et de la Couverture Maladie Universelle Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire;

关键词: Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative;    breast milk substitutes;    breastfeeding;    child nutrition;    infant formula;    infant milk formula;   

DOI  :  10.1111/mcn.13230

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) continues to undermine breastfeeding globally, and low income countries experiencing rapid economic growth are especially vulnerable as expanding BMS markets. The objective of the study was to understand the prevalence of exposure to BMS promotions among mothers of children 0–23 months, the frequency and type of contacts between BMS companies and health workers and the presence of educational/informational materials and branded equipment associated with such companies in health facilities in Abidjan using the World Health Organization's NetCode protocol. The methods included structured interviews with health workers and mothers and observations of equipment/materials in a sample of 42 facilities, 330 mothers and 129 health workers. Descriptive statistics were produced, and chi‐squared tests were used to assess differences by child age and facility type. Forty‐three per cent of mothers were advised to feed BMS products in the past 6 months, with a significantly higher percentage of mothers of older children (6–23 months) advised compared to infants 0–5 months. Two thirds (66%) of mothers had seen promotions outside of facilities. Among health workers, 63% were contacted by BMS companies, and only 8% were familiar with the International Code of Marketing of BMS. Differences were found between public/private facilities in the types of requests BMS companies made to health workers. Strong actions are needed in Côte d'Ivoire to prevent BMS promotion in the health system, including increasing health workers' knowledge of the International Code and national regulations, monitoring violations and reaching mothers and families to promote optimal breastfeeding practices.

【 授权许可】

Unknown