Association Between Exclusive Breastfeeding and Infant Health Outcomes in Pakistan
Omar Babar Saeed1, Zelalem T Haile2, Ilana Azulay Chertok3
1Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH, United States of America.
Insights
Exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of diarrhea, respiratory infections, and fever in infants under six months. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for improving infant health outcomes in Pakistan.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition
Background:
- Infant mortality in Pakistan is alarmingly high, with diarrheal and respiratory diseases being primary causes.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is recommended by WHO for optimal infant growth and health.
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Pakistan are below 40%, necessitating investigation into its protective effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, and fever in infants under six months in Pakistan.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing secondary data from the 2017-18 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey.
- The study included 1033 infants under six months of age, focusing on last-born children.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months was 53.6%.
- Infants exclusively breastfed exhibited significantly lower odds of experiencing diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, and fever.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is a protective factor against common childhood illnesses in infants.
- The benefits are attributed to the nutritional content of human milk and reduced exposure to contaminated food/water.
- Findings underscore the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding for improved infant health and reduced mortality.
Purpose:
The infant mortality rate in Pakistan is one of the highest in the world with most cases attributed to diarrheal or respiratory diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is recommended by the World Health Organization to achieve optimal growth and health, however, in Pakistan the rate of exclusive breastfeeding by mothers is <40%. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of exclusive breastfeeding, diarrhea, acute respiratory infections and fever among infants under the age of 6 months.
Design And Methods:
The cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data from the 2017-18 Pakistan Demographic and Health-Survey. The sampling frame for the current study consisted of last-born children who were under the age of 6 months. The study sample consisted of 1033 infants under the age of 6 months.
Results:
The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 53.6%. Compared to infants who were not breastfed exclusively, infants who were had lower odds of diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, and fever. The observed association was independent of potential confounders.
Conclusions:
Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the odds of childhood illnesses. Plausible explanations for the observed association may be related to human milk's contents including necessary nutrients to fulfill an infant's needs within first months of life. Additionally, continued exposure to breastfeeding also reduces exposure to other contaminated foods to ensure adequate nutrition for the infant.
Practice Implications:
The findings have important implications for educating families and healthcare providers about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for optimal child health outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
01:20Attachment
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...