Several important findings were observed in this study. It was determined that 57% of infants perceived to be small at birth received nonmilk foods before two months, compared to 50% of average and large infants, respectively (Table 5). There was no significant difference in means observed between large and small infants, but between average and small infants a significant difference in solid food introduction was observed (p=0.03). Though there was no significant difference found between large and small infants, percentage-wise, more large infants received nonmilk foods before four months, compared to those perceived to be average.

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Though these findings highlight an important and less-investigated sector of obesity research, there are still many unanswered questions. For example, we were unable to examine in depth the real reasons why each group of women introduced nonmilk foods early. A comparative analysis using in-depth interviews with each group of women to explore the reasons for early introduction could provide useful data in understanding why this high prevalence of early introduction of nonmilk foods exists and persists in this population.

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To capture actual maternal practice, the MIFPQ was administered, and the corresponding percent­ages of women answering each question are listed in Table 4. The purpose of this questionnaire was to capture actual practices to support findings in the interview schedule and the MIFAQ. Therefore, there were no right or wrong answers.

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RESULTS

In spite of the effort exerted to minimize loss to follow-up, complete data were available for 54 mother-infant dyads at the end of the study. Of all those lost to follow-up, over 90% had their phones cut off, had moved from their original place of residence, or had changed their clinic membership. For the remaining 10%, some stated that they were not coming back to the clinic for personal reasons but would supply no other definitive reason for their refusal to come to the clinic. For this study, the greatest attrition occurred between the fourth- and sixth-month well-child visits. It is generally noted by researchers working in inner cities that certain characteristics inherent to inner city populations make attrition an ongoing challenge of research in this area. Thus, the high attrition observed in this study was determined to not be unusual.

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