Cross Sectional Study on Breast Feeding Practices among Infants Aged Up to 6 Months in Rural Population
Muhammad Azam, Ahsan Ayub, Muhammad Aslam Shaikh, Hammad Ur Rehman Bhatti, Aftab Rabbani
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ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: According to the Global Public Health Recommendation, infants should
only be breastfed for the first six months of life for optimal growth,
development and health. The WHO recommends that breastfeeding must be started
early (i.e., within one hour of birth). Early breastfeeding within 1 hour and
exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months are key interventions to reduce
malnutrition and infant mortality. Therefore, this study was conducted to
investigate the prevalence of breastfeeding practices including onset time,
colostrum feeding, pre-lactation and only breastfeeding (EBF) in infants (up to
6 months) in rural populations.
Methodology: A cross-sectional population study was conducted in the rural areas of Lahore
division for six-months duration from July 2021 to December 2021. 360 children
were selected for the interview, but only the mothers of 320 children gave
consent. The study was conducted on a door-to-door basis using a partially
structured, predefined and pre-tested questionnaire with informed consent.
Results: The
study included 320 infants up to 6 months of age, mainly boys 170 (53.1%). The
mothers of the 152 infants (47.5%) who participated in the study were 25-39
years old, followed by 168 (52.5%) infants’ mothers in the 20-24 age group. The
results show that 72 (22.5%) mothers are illiterate. According to occupation,
the most of the mothers were housewives (75.9%). 54(16.9%) infants started breastfeeding early
(i.e., within 1 hour after birth). 298 infants received a form of pre-lacteal
feeding than colostrum, contrary to the concept of exclusive breastfeeding, and
surprisingly, Honey (previous documented information indicates that Ghutti was
the most common (40.1%), followed by tea (30.2%). Only 113 (35.3%) children
received colostrum and only 43(13.4%) were fed exclusively on their mother's
milk.
Conclusion: Early
onset and exclusive breastfeeding, colostrum and pre-lactation feeding are not
being applied to the desired level; We want to promote it through maternity
institutions by providing the mother with appropriate counselling during
prenatal visits, educating health professionals and the environment.
Key words: colostrum, Pre lacteal feed and exclusive
breast feeding (EBF).
ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: According to the Global Public Health Recommendation, infants should
only be breastfed for the first six months of life for optimal growth,
development and health. The WHO recommends that breastfeeding must be started
early (i.e., within one hour of birth). Early breastfeeding within 1 hour and
exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months are key interventions to reduce
malnutrition and infant mortality. Therefore, this study was conducted to
investigate the prevalence of breastfeeding practices including onset time,
colostrum feeding, pre-lactation and only breastfeeding (EBF) in infants (up to
6 months) in rural populations.
Methodology: A cross-sectional population study was conducted in the rural areas of Lahore
division for six-months duration from July 2021 to December 2021. 360 children
were selected for the interview, but only the mothers of 320 children gave
consent. The study was conducted on a door-to-door basis using a partially
structured, predefined and pre-tested questionnaire with informed consent.
Results: The
study included 320 infants up to 6 months of age, mainly boys 170 (53.1%). The
mothers of the 152 infants (47.5%) who participated in the study were 25-39
years old, followed by 168 (52.5%) infants’ mothers in the 20-24 age group. The
results show that 72 (22.5%) mothers are illiterate. According to occupation,
the most of the mothers were housewives (75.9%). 54(16.9%) infants started breastfeeding early
(i.e., within 1 hour after birth). 298 infants received a form of pre-lacteal
feeding than colostrum, contrary to the concept of exclusive breastfeeding, and
surprisingly, Honey (previous documented information indicates that Ghutti was
the most common (40.1%), followed by tea (30.2%). Only 113 (35.3%) children
received colostrum and only 43(13.4%) were fed exclusively on their mother's
milk.
Conclusion: Early
onset and exclusive breastfeeding, colostrum and pre-lactation feeding are not
being applied to the desired level; We want to promote it through maternity
institutions by providing the mother with appropriate counselling during
prenatal visits, educating health professionals and the environment.
Key words: colostrum, Pre lacteal feed and exclusive
breast feeding (EBF).