Perceptions of Caregivers of Children (6–36 months) on the Use of Commercially Produced Complementary Food in an Urban Poor Community in Manila, Philippines: A Qualitative Study

Background. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recommend the use of complementary foods when children reach six months of age. Parents may opt for home-made or commercially available complementary foods. In recent years, there has been an increasing availability and utilization of commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) in the Philippines. There is a growing concern that consumption of these food items among infants and young children may lead to poor nutritional outcomes.

Objective. This study aimed to identify the available complementary foods in selected supermarkets in an urban poor community and examine the perceptions of caregivers of children 6–36 months of age on the use of CPCF.

Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban poor village in the City of Manila. This study involved market research on the available CPCF in supermarket chains and a survey among primary caregivers of children on the use of CPCF. Data were gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data collected. For the qualitative responses of the participants, thematic analysis was employed.

Results. A total of 30 CPCF were sold in the urban poor community of Manila and consisted mostly of dry, powdered, and instant cereal starchy food (50.0%). More than half of these CPCF (56.7%) met the general nutritional thresholds. All the products included nutrition and composition claims; 36.7% had marketing claims, whereas 66.7% did not contain health claims. Among the 30 caregivers interviewed, only 2 (6.7%) were aware of CPCF and its importance. The majority of the caregivers (93.3%) have tried giving CPCF to children. The use of CPCF was due to varying reasons, including perceived healthiness, child preference, cost, and convenience.

Conclusion. Dry, powdered, and instant cereal or starchy foods were the most common CPCF in the urban poor community in Manila, Philippines. The available complementary foods in the supermarkets had inappropriate nutritional quality to be marketed as suitable for older infants and young children. Furthermore, the use of CPCF was prevalent among caregivers of children aged 6–36 months in the selected community. Key factors considered by caregivers in providing CPCF to the children were product healthiness, food preferences, affordability, and convenience. Continuous nutrition promotion and education on proper infant and young child feeding tailored for parents, relatives, and caregivers is put forward.