Positive deviant practices of mothers in child feeding and nutrition in Northern Benin

Abstract

Background and aim: Positive Deviance (PD) is an approach based on the principle that solutions to a community's problems already exist locally. These solutions are considered to be healthy, affordable, culturally acceptable, and sustainable solutions to malnutrition. The goal of this study was to identify practices used by positive deviant's mothers. Methods: A 6-stage Positive Deviance Inquiry (PDI) was conducted through semi-structured interviews (24) and direct observations (24) with PD, Non-PD and negative deviant (ND) mothers selected on the basis of specific criteria from the Baatonu, Gando and Fulani ethnic groups in the communes of Banikoara and Nikki in northern Benin. The interview recordings were transcribed and a content analysis was carried out using MAXQDA software. Results: Four categories of practices were identified notably feeding, care, hygiene and health. In terms of feeding practices, the age of introduction of complementary foods and meal frequency of were more appropriate for PD mothers than for others. The following food recipes derived from combinations of nutritionally interesting local resources are often served by PD mothers to their children: Idouwarê, Dambu, Dibou kpé sari sauce of Kobsa and cow's milk sauce. Concerning care and hygiene practices, PD mothers have a more affectionate mother-child relationship, cover their food and drinking water and keep their yard and kitchen clean. In term of health seeking practices, PD mother referred their children to hospital after self-medication when they have diarrhea. Conclusions: These PD practices could be promoted through nutrition education sessions using communication tools to change behavior.