Indirect effects of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic on the prevalence of breastfeeding: Modeling its impact

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding has a protective effect against acute respiratory and diarrheal infections. There are psychological and social effects due to physical isolation in the population in the mother-child group.
 Objective: To assess the impact on infant mortality due to a decrease in the prevalence of breastfeeding during 2020 due to physical isolation due to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in Colombia
 Materials and methods: The population attributable risk approach was used, taking into account the prevalence of BF and its potential decrease associated with measures of physical isolation and the relative risk (RR) of the association between EBF and the occurrence of acute infections consequences in the growth (weight for height) of children under the age of five through a mathematical modeling program.
 Results: There is an increase of 11.39% in the number of cases with growth arrest in the age group of 6 to 11 months with a 50% decrease in breastfeeding prevalence; an increase in the number of cases of diarrhea between 1 and 5 months of age up from 5% (5.67%); and an increase in the number of deaths in children under 5 years (9.04%) with a 50% decrease in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding.
 Conclusions: The lower prevalence of breastfeeding has an impact on infant morbidity and mortality in the short and medium-term. As a public health policy, current maternal and childcare strategies must be maintained in order to reduce risks in the pediatric population.

Co-Existence of Under and Over-Nutrition Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Women and children are at greater risk of malnourishment, including breastfed infants. 22,19 Admission to the hospital among children was higher in the pandemic than in the prior period. 20 Nutrition education would be beneficial to all the stakeholders in reducing the risk of malnutrition.…”

“…Jácome et al,2021 19 Nutrient fulfilment for an infant is mandatory, even during the pandemic. Low coverage of breastfeeding could affect mortality and morbidity in a certain period.…”

“…18 The low coverage of breastfeeding also decreased since selfisolation affected the growth and development of the infant. 19 Having an anxiety disorder would deteriorate the sleeping disorder among children, which would hamper growth and development. 21 Limited access to health services for primary care services delayed the vaccination program and reduced coverage.…”

Assistência De Enfermagem Ao Aleitamento Materno De Puérperas Com Covid-19

“…As consequências de tudo isto na amamentação resultaram numa redução da taxa e prevalência de aleitamento materno, com repercussões a nível da saúde das crianças, risco nutricional, desenvolvimento infantil com custos sociais e aumento da depressão pósparto (FRY, LEVIN, KHOLINA, BIANCO et al, 2021;ISLAM, BROIDY, BAIRD, RAHMAN et al, 2021;JÁCOME, CASTANEDA-ORJUELA, BARAHOMA, 2021).…”

Educational Strategy for Breastfeeding Maintenance During the COVID-19 Post-Pandemic Period in Popayán

“…Different studies have shown that the coronavirus pandemic has exerted a significant impact on delivery care and breastfeeding, highlighting the global benefits of ensuring that mothers and newborns are not separated despite the uncertainty and limited knowledge about COVID-19, along with the essential support for breastfeeding mothers, which allows achieving science-based results. The presence of barriers and/or difficulties in the provision of Nursing and Obstetrics care was also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, including breastfeeding support (1,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35).…”