WHO infant and young child feeding indicators in relation to anthropometric measurements

Objective: This study aimed to report the WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators from Kuwait and to investigate the associations between these indicators and anthropometric measurements. Design: The Kuwait Nutritional Surveillance System uses observational cross-sectional approach to collects data by face-to-face interviews with mothers or child guardians using a structured questionnaire that was developed based on the WHO IYCF indicators. The weight and height of infants and young children were measured using digital scales in a standardised manner. Setting: Vaccination centres in all governorates (provinces) of Kuwait. Participants: Infants and young Kuwaiti children aged 0-23 months (N 5839). Results: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and age-appropriate breastfeeding were 8 center dot 0 and 7 center dot 4 %, respectively. The prevalence of stunting and wasting was 7 center dot 5 and 2 center dot 4 %, respectively, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 6 center dot 5 and 1 center dot 6 %, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, exclusive breastfeeding and age-appropriate breastfeeding were more common in children with stunted growth (AOR 1 center dot 71 (95 % CI 1 center dot 08, 2 center dot 70; P = 0 center dot 021) and 1 center dot 44 (95 % CI 1 center dot 01, 2 center dot 06; P = 0 center dot 046), respectively). The introduction of solid/semisolid or soft foods was inversely associated with stunting (AOR 0 center dot 52; 95 % CI 0 center dot 30, 0 center dot 90; P = 0 center dot 021). Only age-appropriate breastfeeding was inversely associated with overweight (AOR 0 center dot 62; 95 % CI 0 center dot 39, 0 center dot 98; P = 0 center dot 043). Conclusion: Our findings showed that indicators of breastfeeding are low in Kuwait. Our findings suggest that the associations between different WHO IYCF indicators and stunting as well as overweight is complex, which highlights the need for a better understanding of WHO IYCF indicators in both low- and high-income countries.