INFANT-FEEDING IN URBAN LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN ETHIOPIA .2. DETERMINANTS OF WEANING

Data on infant feeding in Ethiopia are analyzed with respect to two distinct features of weaning: the commencement and the completion of the process. Results of analyses using Cox's regression models indicate that infant-centred factors such as the emergence of primary teeth and infant's appetite significantly hasten the commencement of weaning (p ≈ 0.001, and p ≈ 0.026, respectively). The completion of weaning is largely influenced by mother-centred factors: a new pregnancy, breastmilk insufficiency, and maternal ill-health. External factors such as the seasonal availability of weaning foods also determine the commencement of weaning. The variances in infant age at the initiation and completion of weaning (cv — 45.33 and 35.31, respectively), suggest that in reality, there is no set age for weaning infants. Infant's age is involved only indirectly in determining the timing of weaning. A combination of partly age-related infant-centred, mother-centred, and external factors constitute some of the components of the weaning process. A probabilistic rather than a normative approach to the study of weaning is proposed. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.