INFANT FEEDING AND WEANING PRACTICES IN A RURAL PREINDUSTRIAL SETTING
Authors: SANJUR DIVA M. , CRAVIOTO JOAQUFN , ROSALES LYDIA , VEEN ANDRÉ VAN 
Published: January 2008

The major purpose of this study was to assess the infant feeding pattern and weaning habits in a group of 125 infants in relation to their mothers' social characteristics and other presumably related background factors. Specific objectives included the utilization of research methods and techniques of social science in the field of nutrition and the exploration of traditional feeding practices and food ideology within a cultural context.

The investigation was carried out in a village located 65 miles southwest of Mexico City, with a population of about 6000. A multiple factor theory of biosocial factors affecting malnutrition provided the theoretical framework for this research.

The present report is based on the data collected in 125 families, part of the total sample of a longitudinal ecologic study of the relation between nutrition, mental development and learning in a preindustrial society. Guttman scaling, rank correlations, cross‐tabulations and “gamma” tests of association were the statistical methods used in the analysis of the data.

The findings of the present study support the hypothesis that the characteristics of typical familial complex of preindustrial societies, seems to be the underlying phenomenon of malnutrition problems in those areas: large families, high parity, low levels of education, minimal contact with contemporary knowledge through mass communication media and health personnel, and a strong attachment to the traditional ways of life.

The findings of the study also support the conclusion that breast‐feeding practices and weaning habits during the first six months of life are strongly associated with these general familial, social and cultural factors.

Early introduction of feeding supplements, a trend toward lessening the breast‐feeding period, as well as attitudes concerning acceptance of bottle‐feeding practices were found.

Pre‐scientific conceptions of food, health and disease held by the majority of the women studied strongly influence and still determine the feeding patterns. Severe food restrictions during healthy and sick stages imposed on chil dren and lactating women seem to confirm the above consideration.

A significant negative association was found between mother's age and length of lactating period of the youngest child, with older mothers weaning at later periods. Similarly, negative correlations were found with many of the breast‐feeding practices and mother's age and educational level.

Two six‐step Guttman scales for the infant and family food consumption data were found with high coefficients of reproducibility.

The family food scale theorized as indicator of dietary complexity correlated well with other indicators of complexity in the family's “way of life”. The infant food scale departed completely in this sense, indicating a dualism which supports Reeder's concept of specificity of elements of decision making and social action. Associations were found between the family food scale and social position, education and communication variables, as well as with indicators of “modern” health practices.