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Published on: September 22, 2023
Trends and patterns of exclusive breastfeeding for under-6-month-old children
Giuliana M Parizoto1, Cristina M G de L Parada, Sônia I Venâncio
1Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Bauru, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
Insights
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants under six months in Bauru, Brazil, significantly increased from 1999 to 2006. Pacifier use was linked to higher rates of EBF interruption.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is crucial for infant health and development.
- Monitoring EBF trends is essential for public health interventions.
- Understanding factors influencing EBF practices informs policy and support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends and patterns of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants under six months in Bauru, Brazil.
- To identify factors associated with EBF interruption.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1999, 2003, and 2006.
- Inclusion of infants aged 0-6 months attending vaccination campaigns.
- Statistical analysis including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and uni- and multivariate analysis.
Main Results:
- EBF prevalence in infants under six months increased from 8.5% in 1999 to 24.2% in 2006, a 184.7% rise.
- Annual increase rates of EBF were 2.3% (1999-2003) and 2.2% (2003-2006).
- Pacifier use showed a significant inverse association with EBF (HR=2.03).
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months in Bauru, Brazil, nearly tripled between 1999 and 2006.
- Pacifier use emerged as the sole factor significantly associated with increased likelihood of EBF interruption.
- Findings highlight the importance of promoting EBF and addressing potential barriers like pacifier use.
Objectives:
To study the trends and patterns of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for under-6-month-old infants in the city of Bauru, Brazil.
Methods:
Data from three methodologically equivalent cross-sectional surveys integrating the project for monitoring breastfeeding indicators in São Paulo state were compared. Infants aged zero to 6 months who attended one of the two phases of the Multivaccination Campaign in 1999, 2003 and 2006, respectively 496, 674 and 509 infants, were studied. Descriptive statistics were presented to compare the prevalence of EBF according to age (in months) and for the set of children under 6 months. The differences in prevalence were expressed in percentage and submitted to statistical tests (Pearsons chi-square and tendency), adopting p < 0.05 as the critical level. Factors associated with EBF interruption in 2006 were also studied by uni- and multivariate analysis.
Results:
Increase in EBF prevalence was found in under-6-month-old infants: in the 1999-2003 period, increase of 9.1%; in the 2003-2006 period, increase of 6.6%, thus reaching the annual increase rate of 2.3% in the first period and 2.2% in the second period. Significant inverse association was observed between EBF and the use of pacifiers (hazard ratio = 2.03; 95% confidence interval 1.44-2.84).
Conclusion:
EBF prevalence in under-6-month-old infants in the city of Bauru, Brazil, increased almost threefold in the studied period, changing from 8.5% in 1999 to 24.2% in 2006, which represents an increase of 184.7%. The use of pacifiers was the only factor associated with greater chances of EBF interruption.
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