The association between complementary feeding practice and linear growth faltering among Cambodian children: an analysis of the 2014 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey

Background Inappropriate complementary feeding is a factor contributing to linear growth faltering in early childhood. We aimed assess practice and investigate its association with among children aged 6 23 months 6-23 Cambodia. Methods This study secondary data analysis of the 2014 Cambodia Demographic Health Survey (CDHS). Multivariable regression was used associations between as length-for-age z-scores (LAZ), adjusted for all covariates. Results included 1381 months. The prevalence age-appropriate low Only 23% met three criteria minimum dietary diversity, meal frequency, breastfeeding. Approximately 30% 11 diversity requirements less than 40% 18 were provided breastfeeding after introduction food. found that there no relationship food frequency child growth. However, provision both breast milk independently negatively associated (β-Coefficient=-0.38, 95% confidence interval, CI=-0.60, -0.16). Positive effects on growth, controlling covariates, richer (β-Coefficient=0.36, CI=0.07, 0.66) richest (β-Coefficient=0.50, CI=0.20, 0.79) quintiles households, well appropriate water treatment before drinking (β-Coefficient=0.22, CI=0.05, 0.40). Conclusions Most Cambodian young received inappropriate feeding. suggests from time conception necessity improve maternal nutrition educational intervention mothers, including hygiene practices.