A mixed-methods investigation of infant and young child feeding practices in rural Ethiopia: integrating insights from surveys, direct observation, and qualitative research (opens in new tab)

BackgroundOptimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months, are critical for child survival and development. In low- and middle-income countries, EBF prevalence is commonly estimated using maternal 24-h recall, which may overestimate true practices. This study quantified discrepancies between self-reported and directly observed feeding behaviors and explored socio-cultural determinants of IYCF in rural eastern Ethiopia....