*Corresponding author email: bitagael@gmail.com Symbiosis Group Symbiosis www.symbiosisonlinepublishing.com ISSN Online: 2372-0980 Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19) Knowledge, and the Influence on Infants and Young Children Feeding Behaviors and Practices in the Mifi Health District, West Cameroon: Qualitative Study Andre Izacar Gael Bita 1,2* , Armand Tsapi Tiotsia 3,4 , Doria Loic Metchehe Djommo 5,6 , Vanila Audrey Tala Nintidem 7 , Gotlieb Ivan Zachee Ndombol 6,8 , Zelie Pernelle Sonkeng Momo 9 , Rose Yvana Edjimbi Nnanga 10 , Gautler Arsene Zeufack Dombou 5,6 , Agbor Nyenty Agbornkwai 2 , Russo Gianluca 3 , Martin Sanou Sobze 6 1* Helen Keller International, Department of nutrition, Yaounde, Cameroon 2 School of Health Sciences, Yaounde, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon 3 Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Public Health, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy 4 Faculty of sciences and technology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon 5 Global Research Agency, Branch of Health Promotion, Dschang, Cameroon 6 Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon 7 Association d’Assistance au Developpement (ASAD), Bertoua, Cameroon 8 Hope for Nation, Department of health promotion, Dschang, Cameroon 9 Laboratory of Anatomy and Cytopathology- Faculty of Science and Technology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon 10 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Science Open Access Research Article Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 presents immediate and long-term nutritional challenges. Improving infant and young children feeding (IYCF) at the community level is a key priority for optimizing the survival, growth, and development of children. The study assessed the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on the feeding behaviors and practices of children under five in households of the Mifi Health District. Methods: This qualitative study used the non-random sampling technique; data was collected during focus groups (FG) among mothers & fathers, face-to-face individual interviews with Key informants (KI), and In-depth interviews (ID), and document review. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and repeated data was deleted. A thematic analysis was carried out. Results: Forty-five participants (76% Female; 24% male), 03 FG, and 30 face-to-face individual interviews were conducted (15 KI; 15 ID). Demographically, 82.2% were Christians; 11.1% Muslims and 6.7% traditionalists. Mothers knew that it’s necessary to exclusively breastfeed children up to six months and incorporate complementary foods beyond six months even during COVID19. They however believe that breastfeeding in public places exposes babies to COVID19; complementary foods from markets are a potential source of infection and an infected mother should not breastfeed. Participants mentioned a reduction in the consumption of meat and fruit in households. The spread of rumors led to increased demand for foodstuff. Mothers reported the need to wash their hands and wear face masks before breastfeeding. Equally, a decrease in attendance of vaccination services was noted. Conclusion: Creating breastfeeding rooms in public places and an intensive sensitization on nutrition in the COVID19 context can improve IYCF. Keywords: Infant and young child feeding; Health crisis; COVID-19; Cameroon, Knowledge attitudes practices Received: April 21, 2021; Accepted: May 25, 2021; Published: June 10, 2021 *Corresponding author: Andre Izacar Gael Bita, Helen Keller International, Department of nutrition, Yaounde, School of Health Sciences, Yaounde, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon, Tel: +237-691-405-003; E-mail: bitagael@gmail.com Introduction A new public health crisis has been threatening the world since December 2019, with the emergence and spread of the new coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) or severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 syndromes (SARS-CoV-2). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, previously 2019- nCoV) is suspected of having originated in 2019, China from a coronavirus infected bat of the genus Rhinolophus. Following the initial emergence, possibly facilitated by a mammalian host, SARS-CoV-2 is currently transmitted across the globe through human-to-human transmission [1]. Most people infected with the Coronavirus will suffer from mild to moderate respiratory disease and will recover without special treatment. In contrast,