Feeding Modes and their Association with Diarrheal Diseases and Acute Respiratory Infections in Infants upto 6 months of age: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Diarrheal & respiratory diseases are very common among infants, especially in the developing countries and are influenced by multiple factors. They constitute the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Feeding modes of infants have long been considered to influence such infectious diseases. Aim: To find different feeding modes, and whether these feeding modes have an impact on the prevalence of diarrhea & acute respiratory infections in infants upto 6 months of age. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in Pediatrics OPD & Vaccination Center of Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. 200 mother-infant pairs were chosen. Data was collected according to a structured questionnaire. Information regarding feeding mode (exclusive breastfeeding, partial breast feeding or top fed), history of diarrhea or respiratory infection during the previous 1 month was gathered. Prevalence of different feeding modes was calculated in terms of percentages. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and presented in the form of frequency tables and graphs. Associations between feeding modes and history of diarrheal and respiratory infections were established using Chi – square test taking 0.05 as standard p – value. Results: Majority of the infants in our sample was being exclusively breastfed (46%) & prevalence of diarrhea & respiratory infections was least in the same group. A significant association for diarrhea was obtained Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that feeding mode has a definite impact on infectious diseases in infants upto 6 months of age and exclusive breast feeding is the most effective way of preventing these infections.