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Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica
Print version ISSN 1726-4634
Abstract
ROJAS D, Carlos et al. Enfermedades diarreicas, infecciones respiratorias y características de la alimentación de los niños de 12 a 35 meses de edad en el Perú. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2004, vol.21, n.3, pp.146-156. ISSN 1726-4634.
Objectives: To describe feeding practices and to quantify acute diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections in 12 to 35 months old children in Peru. Materials and Methods: The information was part of the National Food Consumption Survey in Fertile Women and 12 to 35 month old Children for 2003. The sample studied included 2908 children (1514 male and 1394 female), whose mothers were questioned with respect to complementary feeding characteristics. Results: Throughout the country, 21,2% of children had diarrhea within the two-week period prior to the survey, and this was most prevalent in the Amazonian region. Additionally, 17,1% of children had acute respiratory infections. Throughout the country, the median duration of breastfeeding was 14 months; and the median time for the introduction of sugar water and infusions for small children was at 5 months. Median daily feeding frequency was four times per day. Additionally, 63,5% of mothers thought that it was better to give solid foods to their babies. Approximately 39% of interviewed mothers considered that it was necessary to add oil to their childrens foods. Conclusions: The prevalence of infectious diseases is still high, while feeding characteristics for children do not follow the worldwide recommended patterns, affecting health and nutritional conditions of Peruvian children.
Keywords : Diarrhea; Respiratory Tract Infections; Infant Nutrition; Peru.