Respiratory Tract Infection in non-Breastfed Infants

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of non-breastfed infants presenting to the pediatric department with respiratory tract infection. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Pediatrics, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Nahyan Hospital CMH Muzaffarabad, during a period of six months from May 2020 to October 2020. All patients between 1 month to 12 months visiting OPD or admitting in pediatric ward with respiratory tract infection and either gender were included. Information regarding baseline demographic characteristics was recorded. The mothers were interviewed about feeding pattern of the infants. All information was recorded on the prescribed proforma. Results: A total of two hundred and forty-five children were studied, and their average age was 7.4±2.8 months. Males were 54.3% and females were 45.7%. Out of all 29.8% (n=73/245) of infants found who had never been breastfed. No significant difference was found according to the effect modifiers (P>0.05). Conclusion: A remarkable proportion of infants (29.8%) who presented with respiratory tract infection had never been breastfed. Counseling programs should be done for mothers to modify their perceptions regarding breastfeeding and its benefits. It is suggested that the public health authorities should launch awareness programs for the public about benefits of breastfeeding and its role in the prevention of infections in infants. Keywords: Breast feeding, Non-breastfed, Respiratory Tract Infection