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The effect of breastfeeding on child development at 5 years: a cohort study
P J Quinn1, M O'Callaghan, G M Williams
1Child Development and, Rehabilitation Services, Mater Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Breastfeeding is linked to better cognitive development in children. Longer breastfeeding duration, even after accounting for other factors, shows significant improvements in vocabulary test scores.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Pediatrics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive development is debated, with potential confounding from psychosocial factors.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the independent effect of breastfeeding duration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive development.
- To examine the impact of breastfeeding duration on cognitive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 3880 children from birth.
- Breastfeeding duration assessed at 6 months; cognitive development measured by Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Revised (PPVT-R) at 5 years.
- Statistical analysis using ANOVA and multiple linear regression, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between breastfeeding duration and PPVT-R scores.
- Children breastfed for 6 months or more scored higher on cognitive tests (females +8.2, males +5.8 points) compared to never-breastfed children, after adjustments.
- The benefits increased with longer breastfeeding duration.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding confers a significant developmental benefit to children.
- This benefit is independently associated with longer durations of breastfeeding.
Objective:
It is uncertain to what degree the relationship between breastfeeding and later cognitive development is a true biological effect, or is confounded by psychosocial factors. The study aim was to further investigate this relationship and the effect of duration of breast feeding on cognitive development.
Methods:
A total of 3880 children were followed from birth. Breastfeeding duration was measured by questionnaire at 6 months of age and a Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Revised (PPVT-R) was administered at 5 years. PPVT-R scores were adjusted for the effects of a large array of biological and psychosocial confounders. The relationship between breastfeeding and the mean PPVT-R scores were examined using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression.
Results:
A strong positive relationship was demonstrated between breastfeeding and the PPVT-R scores with increasing scores with increased duration of breastfeeding. After adjusting for a wide range of biological and social factors, the adjusted mean for those breastfed for 6 months or more was 8.2 points higher for females and 5.8 points for males when compared to those never breastfed.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest a significant benefit to child development is conferred by breastfeeding and is related independently to longer periods of breastfeeding.