Understanding infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices among Muslim mothers/caregivers: A qualitative study in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines

BackgroundThe study focused on understanding infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) among Muslim mothers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines.ObjectiveRecognizing the cultural and religious sensitivities associated with these practices, the research aimed to identify influencing factors and assess the influence of advertisements on maternal decisions regarding infants' and children's diets.MethodsA total of 74 Muslim mothers with infants 6-23 months old were recruited and participated in the focus group discussions (FGD). Ten FGD sessions were conducted in Maguindanao Province, Philippines from July to August 2021. Verbatim transcriptions of audio-recorded discussions were transcribed into Microsoft Word files and QSR NVivo version 12 was used in the coding and analysis of the transcripts.ResultsMothers exhibited limited awareness of such important complementary feeding issues as preferring fruits and vegetables while avoiding junk food as chips. IYCF information came primarily from health workers and other mothers - their own mothers, mothers-in-law, and midwives. Television commercials were identified as particularly influential in shaping maternal feeding decisions.ConclusionsThere was a diversity of breastfeeding practices and limited knowledge, especially of complementary feeding among these Muslim mothers. Both traditional beliefs and marketing were said to influence feeding choices. This underscores the need for culturally-sensitive interventions and targeted educational initiatives to enhance maternal knowledge and advocate for optimal infant feeding practices within Muslim communities, as well as regulation of the marketing of commercial infant foods.