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The Bedouin Infant Feeding Study: study design and factors influencing the duration of breast feeding
L Naggan1, M R Forman, B Sarov
1Center for Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Insights
Bedouin Arab infants born in cooler months or to mothers in traditional settings received longer exclusive breastfeeding. Factors like housing and birth season influenced infant feeding duration.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Pediatrics
- Human Nutrition
Background:
- Infant feeding practices significantly impact child health and development.
- Understanding factors influencing breastfeeding duration is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous research highlights socioeconomic and environmental influences on infant nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate infant feeding practices, growth, and morbidity among Bedouin Arab infants.
- To identify factors associated with exclusive versus partial breastfeeding in the first 6 months.
- To examine determinants of breastfeeding duration up to 18 months.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study conducted over a 3-year period (1981-1983) in the Negev, Israel.
- Analysis included bivariate methods (logrank test) and multiple logistic regression.
- Follow-up focused on healthy newborns to assess feeding practices and associated factors.
Main Results:
- Exclusive breastfeeding duration was longer for infants born during cooler, wetter months and for those whose mothers lived in more traditional housing (tents).
- Parity, house type, and birth season were independent predictors of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.
- Breastfeeding duration up to 18 months was influenced by housing type, residence, birthweight, and infant stunting at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping infant feeding patterns among Bedouin Arab populations.
- Targeted support considering seasonal and housing variations may improve breastfeeding outcomes.
- Maternal parity and infant growth parameters are also key considerations for sustained breastfeeding.
Abstract:
A longitudinal study of infant feeding practices, growth and morbidity among Bedouin Arab infants residing in the Negev, Israel, was conducted during a 3-year period (1981-1983). Follow-up samples were restricted to healthy newborns. The majority of newborns are breast fed at birth but, by 2 months, 50% are also introduced to a milk supplement. Based on the bivariate analysis using the logrank test to examine the factors associated with exclusive versus partial breast feeding during the first 6 months, those born during the wet cool months are exclusively breast fed longer than those born during the dry season. More traditional women, living in tents rather than houses or huts, exclusively breast feed for at least 6 months. In a multiple logistic regression model, parity, house type and birth season are independently associated with the odds of exclusively breast feeding for the first 6 months of life. Factors influencing the duration of any breast feeding for the first 18 months include: house type, place of residence, birthweight, and whether the infant was stunted at 6 months.