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Updated: Jan 15, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
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A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

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Effect of Breastfeeding on Psychosocial Development in Children Aged 4-6 Years in a Rural Community of Central India:

Nidhi J Vithalani1, Nishaant Ramasamy2, Nr Lakshmi Aiswarya2

  • 1Division of Clinical Research and Training, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Annals of African Medicine
|October 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is linked to better psychosocial development in children. Promoting EBF can reduce emotional and behavioral difficulties, supporting healthy child development.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early childhood nutrition, particularly exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), is crucial for physical and psychosocial development.
  • Long-term effects of EBF on psychosocial outcomes, especially in rural areas, require further investigation.
  • This study examines the impact of EBF on psychosocial development in children aged 4-6 years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effect of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) on the psychosocial development of children aged 4-6 years.
  • To identify associations between EBF duration and specific psychosocial outcomes in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Nagpur, India.
  • 261 children (4-6 years) and their mothers participated, selected via stratified random sampling.
  • The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) assessed psychosocial development; data analyzed using SPSS with P < 0.05 significance.

Main Results:

  • 58.24% of children achieved exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).
  • Longer EBF duration correlated with improved psychosocial outcomes.
  • Specifically, longer EBF was associated with fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties, including conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer issues.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is significantly associated with fewer psychosocial difficulties in children.
  • Promoting EBF is vital for enhancing child emotional and behavioral well-being.
  • Public health initiatives should prioritize EBF to improve developmental outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Early childhoodPetite enfanceStrengths and Difficulties Questionnaireallaitement exclusifcomportement émotionneldéveloppement psychosocialemotional behaviorexclusive breastfeedingpsychosocial development

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