Infant and young child feeding practices and anthropometric outcomes among children under 2 years in the Northern Emirates of the UAE: an analytical cross-sectional study

Dr Mohamed Anas Patni, Moza Saif Hassan Ramadhan Almarzooqi, Fatima Alzahraa Adnan Alhussein, Maryam Mohammed Saeed Mansoor Almansoori, Naeema Saeed Mohamed, Mariam Mohamed Abdalla Mohamed Alrayssi, R. Salama, Subhranshu Sekhar Kar, Rajani Dube, Biji Thomas George, Aamenah Barakat, Mushirabanu Sharifmiyan Akikwala

Background Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are important determinants of early childhood growth and development. Although breastfeeding and complementary feeding recommendations are well established, gaps often remain between maternal knowledge and actual feeding practices. Local evidence from the Northern Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is limited, particularly regarding differences between local and expatriate mothers and the relationship between IYCF practices and child anthropometric outcomes. This study assessed maternal knowledge and practices related to IYCF and examined their association with weight-for-age (WAZ) and length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) among children under 2 years in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, UAE. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 mother–child pairs with children aged up to 24 months. Participants were recruited from community settings and pediatric outpatient areas. Data were collected using a structured English and Arabic questionnaire, and child anthropometric measurements were recorded. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent-samples t -tests, and regression analysis were used. Results The mean maternal age was 29.14 ± 6.53 years, and the mean child age was 15.04 ± 7.22 months. Knowledge was generally high for early initiation of breastfeeding, colostrum feeding, and exclusive breastfeeding, but significant differences between local and expatriate mothers were observed for selected knowledge indicators. Correct early initiation of breastfeeding was reported by 284 mothers (74.5%), while exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was reported by 189 of 345 eligible mothers (54.8%). Among eligible children aged 6–23 months, minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet were achieved by 163 (47.2%), 185 (53.6%), and 134 (38.8%) children, respectively. In adjusted linear regression, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and higher maternal knowledge score were positively associated with WAZ, while number of children was negatively associated with WAZ. Exclusive breastfeeding was positively associated with LAZ, whereas male sex was negatively associated with LAZ. Conclusion Maternal knowledge of recommended IYCF practices was generally favorable, but important gaps remained in actual feeding practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding, avoidance of pre-lacteal feeding, continued breastfeeding, and minimum acceptable diet. As this was a cross-sectional study, the observed relationships between IYCF practices and anthropometric outcomes should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Strengthening culturally appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding counseling may help improve recommended IYCF practices in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.