Effect of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Incidences of Illness in Infant’s First 6 Months of Life

Abstract

Background: The first six months of life represents a critical period in the survival of an infant. There is high morbidity and mortality risk as the newborn with its inherent immunological deficits adapts to the extra-uterine life. Optimal nutrition plays a major role in the survival of infants during this early period of life hence the significance of appropriate feeding practices. Aim: This study aims to determine effect of exclusive breastfeeding on incidences of illness in the first six months of life. It also seeks to ascertain maternal and child factors associated with development of these illnesses in infants. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study involving four hundred mother-infant pairs attending the infant welfare clinic of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) enrolled after meeting the study criteria. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was practiced by 33.5% of surveyed mothers. Mothers educational level (p=0.003), socioeconomic class (p=0.018), occupational status (p=0.025), antenatal care (p=0.015), mode of delivery (p=0.001), age of child (p=0.001) and giving of colostrums following birth (p=0.002) significantly predicted the feeding option adopted by mothers. Exclusively breastfed infants were 0.4 times less likely to visit hospital due illnesses (OR 0.41, CI 0.22-0.73). Frequent watery stooling (OR 0.05, CI 0.03-0.94), cough and/or catarrh with difficulty in breathing (OR 0.04, CI 0.01-0.85) and rashes and/or boils (OR 0.06, CI 0.01-0.83) were less likely to occur in exclusively breastfed infants. Increasing infant's age and delivery through caesarian section increased the likelihood of infant illness and hospital visits. Conclusion: EBF is significantly associated with reduction of morbidity in the first six months of life. Efforts to promote EBF should be sustained.

Effect of Breastfeeding on Illness in Children: A Cross-Sectional Hospital Based Study

“…This finding is scientifically proven and is also in concordance with other studies (6) . In our study, 72 out of 100 children were exclusively breastfed which is a good finding but the rate of breastfeeding needs to be increased much beyond this level as this simple but effective measure can save a lot of lives and money as well.…”

Diarrhoea and Suboptimal Feeding Practices in Nigeria: Evidence from the National Household Surveys

“…The prevalence of continued breast feeding after 1 year remains high (98%) in Nigeria, however, the premature initiation of complementary foods is also common among Nigerian mothers, with its subsequent impact on diarrhoea morbidity (as reported elsewhere) . In Nigeria, however, only hospital‐based studies and one population‐based study – focused on ever breastfed children – have examined the association between diarrhoea and childhood feeding practices. Country‐specific assessment of the relationship between diarrhoea and IYCF practices is needed to inform policy responses and programmes that protect, promote, and support IYCF practices, in order to improve feeding behaviours and to reduce diarrhoeal diseases and malnutrition in Nigeria …”

Perbedaan Frekuensi Sakit Bayi Usia 6-12 Bulan Yang Diberikan Asi Eksklusif Dan Non Asi Eksklusif

“…Bayi yang disusui secara eksklusif memiliki kemungkinan sebesar 0,4 kali lebih kecil untuk mengunjungi rumah sakit karena penyakit. Pada kasus diare, batuk/ pilek, kesulitan bernapas, dan ruam cenderung kurang terjadi pada bayi yang disusui secara eksklusif (Chidiebere and Stanley, 2014).…”