ABSTRACT
The incidence of anaemia in infants is still high and nutritional deficiency is suggested as the main factor due to inappropriate feeding practices. To evaluate the relationship between feeding practices and anaemia in 9-month-old infants, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 Puskesmas in Medan from August-October 2016. Chi-square tests and multivariate analyses were used in the statistical analysis. The incidence of anaemia was 66.7%. No significant association between anaemia and exclusive breastfeeding (P = 0.214, 95% CI) was found. The variables associated with anaemia were: starting complementary feeding at <6 months old (P = 0.032, PR = 2.830, CI 95%), using steamed rice as an initial Complementary Food (CF) (P = 0.021, PR = 12 318, 95% CI) and CF not containing animal protein (P = 0.013, PR = 14 160, 95% CI). Anaemia in 9-month-old infants was associated with the infant’s age when complementary feeding was first started, the type of CF first given, and the animal protein content in the CF.
