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Relationship between type of infant feeding and hospitalization for gastroenteritis in Shanghai infants
Insights
Breastfeeding significantly reduces hospitalization risk for infant gastroenteritis. This study found ever-breastfed infants had a lower risk compared to never-breastfed infants, indicating protective benefits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gastroenteritis is a common cause of infant hospitalization.
- Feeding practices, particularly breastfeeding, may influence disease risk.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between breastfeeding and hospitalization for gastroenteritis in infants.
- To quantify the protective effect of breastfeeding against gastroenteritis-related hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of combined data from 3285 infants in Shanghai epidemiological studies.
- Infants categorized into 'ever' and 'never' breastfeeding groups.
- Statistical analysis including odds ratios and confidence intervals, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- Ever breastfed infants showed a significantly lower risk of gastroenteritis hospitalization (3.4%) compared to never breastfed infants (5.3%).
- The adjusted odds ratio for hospitalization was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.46-0.94), indicating a protective effect.
- A statistically significant association (p < .01) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding provides moderate protection against hospitalization for gastroenteritis in Shanghai infants.
- Promoting breastfeeding can be a key strategy to reduce infant hospitalizations for gastroenteritis.
- Findings support public health initiatives encouraging breastfeeding for infant health outcomes.
Abstract:
This analysis examines the relationship between feeding type and hospitalization for gastroenteritis based on the combined data of 3285 infants from the Jing-An and Chang-Ning epidemiological studies of children's health in Shanghai. Infants were classified into "ever" and "never" breastfeeding groups. The risk of hospitalization for gastroenteritis in the ever breastfed infants was significantly lower than that in the never breastfed infants, 3.4 percent versus 5.3 percent (p < .01). After controlling for covariates, the odds ratio was 0.66 (95% confidence interval = 0.46-0.94). The data suggest that breastfeeding offers moderate protection against hospitalization for gastroenteritis in Shanghai infants.