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[Breast-feeding habits in Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil]
M C Passos1, J A Lamounier, C A da Silva
1Escola de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil. cricapassos@ig.com.br
Insights
Breastfeeding in Ouro Preto, Brazil, is a short-term practice, with a median duration of 198 days overall. Exclusive breastfeeding lasted only 17 days, highlighting the need for interventions to promote longer breastfeeding duration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and development.
- Early cessation of breastfeeding is a global concern.
- Understanding local breastfeeding patterns is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and median duration of breastfeeding in children aged 0-24 months in Ouro Preto, Brazil.
- To assess the current breastfeeding practices in the region.
- To provide data for public health initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted.
- A sample of 229 children was recruited from 1800 households.
- The life table technique was used to calculate breastfeeding duration and frequency.
Main Results:
- The overall median breastfeeding duration was 198 days.
- Median duration for exclusive plus mainly breastfeeding was 71 days.
- Median duration for exclusive breastfeeding was only 17 days.
Conclusions:
- Current breastfeeding practices in Ouro Preto are short-term.
- There is a need for intervention programs to promote extended breastfeeding.
- Early introduction of food supplementation and weaning should be delayed.
Objective:
To identify the frequency and median duration of breast-feeding in children aged 0-24 months in the city of Ouro Preto, Brazil.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the median duration of breastfeeding in children aged 0-24 months. A sample of 229 children from 1800 households was drawn by clusters at three different occasions and stratified according to the area (urban or rural). The frequency and median duration of breast-feeding were calculated using the life table technique.
Results:
A median duration of 198 days was found for breast-feeding as a whole: 71 days for the group of exclusive plus mainly breastfeeding and 17 days for exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion:
The current pattern of breast-feeding is of a short-term practice. This evidence suggests the need for intervention programs to promote breast-feeding for longer periods and delay the introduction of food supplementation, preventing the early weaning.