Mortality patterns in breast versus artificially fed term babies in early infancy: a longitudinal study

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S Awasthi1, G K Malik, P K Misra

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, King George's Medical College, Lucknow.

Indian Pediatrics
|March 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Promoting breastfeeding and preventing low birth weight (LBW) significantly reduces early infant mortality. LBW babies face higher mortality risks, regardless of feeding method, highlighting the importance of both interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Infant mortality remains a significant global health challenge.
  • Low birth weight (LBW) and feeding practices are critical factors influencing infant survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of birth weight and feeding methods on neonatal and early infancy mortality.
  • To determine the combined effect of breastfeeding and preventing low birth weight on reducing infant mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study followed 334 infants for 6 months.
  • Infants were categorized by birth weight (term >2.5 kg vs. low birth weight ≤2.5 kg) and feeding type (breastfed vs. artificially fed).
  • Mortality rates were analyzed for neonatal and 1-6 month periods.

Main Results:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) infants exhibited significantly higher mortality rates compared to heavier infants, irrespective of feeding method.
  • Breastfed infants demonstrated lower mortality rates than artificially fed infants during both neonatal and 1-6 month periods.
  • Overall mortality rates were substantially reduced when breastfeeding was promoted and low birth weight was prevented.

Conclusions:

  • Both breastfeeding and achieving adequate birth weight are crucial for reducing early infant mortality.
  • Interventions targeting the prevention of low birth weight and the promotion of breastfeeding are essential public health strategies.
  • Simultaneous efforts in both areas can lead to a significant decrease in term infant mortality in early infancy.

Keywords:
AsiaBiologyBirth WeightBody WeightBottle FeedingBreast FeedingCauses Of Death--statisticsData AnalysisDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesHealthIncidence--statisticsIndiaInfant MortalityInfant NutritionLongitudinal StudiesLow Birth WeightMeasurementMortalityNutritionPhysiologyPopulationPopulation DynamicsResearch MethodologySouthern AsiaStudies

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