Maternal & Child Nutrition

This study highlights the importance of availability/accessibility for children's vegetable consumption and identifies overprotection—a rarely studied parenting style construct—as linked to lower consumption. Two moderation effects by parenting style were also found, underscoring its role as a potential contextual factor that may influence the impact of parenting practices.

Micronutrient deficiencies and aflatoxin exposure remain high among children under five in developing countries. However, few studies have assessed the association between these factors in East Africa, particularly in agro-pastoralist societies where maize and animal foods (highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination) are staple foods. This study found that more than two-thirds of participants were exposed to aflatoxin contamination and were deficient in zinc and vitamin B12. Children with high levels of AF-alb adducts were 40% more likely to be iron deficient than those without. Efforts should focus on improving micronutrient status and enhancing food safety by incorporating aflatoxin mitigation strategies in micronutrient interventions.

Newborns engaging in breast crawl immediately after birth have a positive impact on the rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 24 h, 3 days, 1 month, and 6 months postpartum. Additionally, it reduces maternal anxiety levels and enhances a positive attitude towards breastfeeding.