Risk factors for early discontinuation of breastfeeding before two years age
Saima Bibi1, Syed Hussain Gilani2, Sadia Bibi3
1Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Medical College, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Insights
Early breastfeeding cessation is linked to maternal diet restrictions and early formula supplementation. Health education interventions can optimize infant feeding practices and promote longer breastfeeding duration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health.
- Early cessation of breastfeeding poses risks to maternal and child well-being.
- Understanding risk factors is key to improving breastfeeding rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with early cessation of breastfeeding.
- To inform interventions aimed at promoting sustained breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
- Data was collected from 250 mother-child dyads through interviews.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.
Main Results:
- Major risk factors included combined breast and bottle feeding in the first month (79.2%), maternal postpartum diet restriction (74.4%), and lack of breastfeeding counseling (67.2%).
- Pacifier use, early mixed feeding, and the belief that formula is healthier than breast milk were significant predictors of shorter breastfeeding duration.
- The mean duration of breastfeeding observed was 5.05 months.
Conclusions:
- Identified risk factors for early breastfeeding discontinuation are modifiable.
- Health education and targeted interventions are essential for optimizing breastfeeding practices.
- Improving breastfeeding duration can enhance maternal and child health outcomes.
Objectives:
To assess the risk factors regarding early cessation of breastfeeding.
Methods:
The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Paediatrics Department of Ayub Medical Teaching Institute, Abbottabad, Pakistan, from June 2022 to February 2023, and comprised mother-child dyads who initiated the breastfeeding process at birth, but failed to continue over the subsequent 24 months. Data was collected using a structured proforma through interviews with mothers. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
Results:
There were 250 mothers with mean age 28.48±5.73 years, while the mean age of 250 children was 14.64±7.53 months. The mean duration of breastfeeding was 5.05±3.99 months. The major risk factors identified were a combination of breastfeed and bottle-feed in the first month of life in 198(79.2%) cases, maternal diet restriction postpartum 186(74.4%) and no counselling about breastfeeding 168(67.2%). Pacifier use (p= 0.002), combined bottle-feed and breastfeed in the first month of life (p=0.001) and mothers wrongly considering formula milk healthier than breastfeed (p=0.000) were significant predictors of shorter duration of breastfeeding.
Conclusions:
All the reasons identified as potential risk factors for early discontinuation of breastfeeding were modifiable. Health education-based interventions are needed for optimising breastfeeding practices.
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