An Ethnographic Study on Feeding Bugis Children Aged 0–23 Months in Palopo, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore Bugis culture related to feeding practice in children age 0–23 months. The study used a qualitative research method with an ethnographic study approach. Observations and focused group discussions were conducted on 22 caregivers, while in-depth interviews were conducted with a customary leader, two cadres, and a village mindwife. Data analysis applied a thematic analysis with an ethnonursing approach. This study resulted in three themes: giving sweet food, choosing a qualified person to give the first bribe, and delayed feeding of animal-sourced food (ASF) before the age of one year. These results affirm that culture is one of the most influential aspects of feeding children. The culture embraced by parents and society can affect the nutritional intake of children, especially during the first 1000 days of life.

KEYWORDS:

• Culture
• first 1000 days
• feeding children
• child growth and development
• ethnography study

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the contribution of participants in the area of Pontap Primary Health Service Center.

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by Hibah PITTA 2018 funded by DRPM Universitas Indonesia no.1[836/UN2.R3.1/HKP.05.00/2018].