WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING PRACTICES IN GHANA

ABSTRACT The first two years of a child’s life are particularly important, as optimal nutrition during this period lowers morbidity and mortality. Many factors account for the inability of children to receive adequate nutrition from caregivers. It is known that mothers play key roles in children’s nutrition. In Ghana, studies relating empowerment to feeding practices have emphasized decision-making and maternal dietary diversity. Earlier studies focused largely on nutritional knowledge, stunting and child dietary diversity. This study focused on women’s empowerment as a pathway to optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) measured by minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet. The study used the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS, 2014); a cross-sectional nationwide secondary data. Stata software (v.13) was used to analyse the data. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to examine the association between women empowerment and IYCF practices. The results showed that children of mothers in formal employment (officers, professionals, clerks and sales workers) had positive association with achieving minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet. Ownership of land by mothers also had positive association with minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency. A mother’s decision on family visits increased the chances of children to attain minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency. The study recommends that equality and women’s right campaigns be sustained because it improves the chances of achieving IYCF practices.