A recent study has revealed that only a small fraction of young children in Lesotho receive a Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD), highlighting a critical issue of child nutrition in the country.

The study, titled ‘A Multilevel Analysis of the Factors Associated with Minimum Acceptable Diets Among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Lesotho: A Study of the Lesotho Multiple Cluster Indicator 2028,’ was conducted by Nthatisi Leseba, Kerry Vermaak, and Tiisetso Makatjane and published last month.

Researchers found that the prevalence of the minimum acceptable diet in Lesotho for children aged 6-23 months was 10.4 percent.

Researchers suggest this may be due to the delayed introduction of complementary foods, often influenced by teething issues or misconceptions about the importance of solid foods alongside breastfeeding.

“At the immediate level, the children aged 12-17 months were more likely to be fed MAD,” the researchers noted.

“At the underlying level, the children from rural areas were less likely to be fed with the MAD while those from rich households and the richest households, as well as those with mothers with secondary education and education beyond secondary, had elevated odds of being fed with MAD,” they added.

Where a child lives and their household’s wealth also significantly impact dietary adequacy. “Urban areas tend to have better socio-economic conditions, allowing families to provide more nutritious meals,” the study explained.

Similarly, wealthier households have greater access to diverse foods, improving their children’s chances of receiving essential nutrients.

Maternal education emerged as a crucial factor. “Children whose mothers have secondary education or higher are significantly more likely to receive a MAD,” the study noted.

Educated mothers often have greater autonomy, better access to healthcare, and a stronger understanding of child feeding practices. Additionally, antenatal care visits proved beneficial by providing opportunities for nutrition education and counseling.

Access to media also plays a vital role in shaping dietary habits. “Mothers exposed to media, such as radio or television, are more likely to adopt healthy feeding practices,” researchers noted.

The study also found that children in communities with higher male education levels were more likely to receive a MAD, as educated men can help disseminate vital information and influence positive feeding practices within their communities. Similarly, communities with greater female media exposure showed better child nutrition outcomes.

Interestingly, the study revealed that children in communities with high land and livestock ownership were less likely to receive a MAD. Researchers suggest this may be due to subsistence farming practices, where families prioritise staple crops over diverse nutritional options.

Community poverty was also a significant factor, with children in poorer communities facing increased challenges in accessing diverse and nutritious foods. “Poverty and food insecurity limit the availability of adequate and safe foods,” the study highlighted.

The study acknowledged limitations, including its cross-sectional design, which prevents establishing direct cause-and-effect relationships. The reliance on self-reported data from mothers also introduces potential biases.

Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting child nutrition in Lesotho. Researchers recommend further investigations to explore the complex interplay of these factors and develop targeted interventions to improve child feeding practices and reduce malnutrition.

Ntsoaki Motaung

Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.

In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.