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Breast-feeding and risk of hospitalization for all causes and fever of unknown origin

Rosa Pardo-Crespo1, Rocio Pérez-Iglesias, Javier Llorca

  • 1Division of Paediatrics, University of Cantabria School of Medicine, Santander, Spain.

European Journal of Public Health
|September 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding may reduce hospitalizations in infants. This study found shorter breastfeeding duration in hospitalized children, particularly those under six months, for all admission causes and fever of unknown origin (FUO).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in children under two.
  • The study investigated the link between breastfeeding and hospital admissions for all causes and fever of unknown origin (FUO).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between breastfeeding duration and hospital admissions in children under 24 months.
  • To identify factors influencing breastfeeding practices and their impact on child hospitalization.

Main Methods:

  • A case-reference study was conducted in Cantabria, Spain, involving 336 hospitalized children and a matched control group.
  • Data on breastfeeding, socioeconomic status, and employment were collected. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and mean breastfeeding duration were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding frequency was lower in hospitalized children (75.6%) compared to controls (82.3%).
  • Univariate analysis showed a negative trend between breastfeeding length and hospital admissions for all causes and FUO.
  • Adjusted mean breastfeeding duration was significantly shorter in hospitalized infants under six months for all admission causes and FUO.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalized children, especially those under six months, had a shorter duration of breastfeeding.
  • These findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding for preventing hospitalizations, even after adjusting for confounding factors.
Abstract

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