Breastfeeding Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children Up to Two Years of Age at Selected Health Facilities in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections have been a worldwide public health issue. The most vulnerable population is children due to their immature immune systems and nutritional requirements. IPIs are associated with improper sanitation, no access to safe water and improper hygiene, economic uncertainty, and social marginalization. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association of breastfeeding with IPIs among children up to two years of age at selected health facilities in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: The study was conducted among 160 children up to two years of age, out of which 80 were breastfed and 80 were non-breastfed. The study was carried out in selected health facilities in Karachi, Pakistan, from October 2022 to January 2023. The study design was analytical cross-sectional, and the data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions related to the demographics of the children and their mothers, feeding practices, hygiene practices, and the health status of the children. Results: The overall prevalence of IPIs among children up to two years of age was 36.9%, with Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia Lamblia being the most common parasites identified. Breastfeeding was significantly associated with a lower risk of IPIs (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.05-3.90, p=0.033). Other factors associated with IPIs included age 0 to 12 months (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.74), the habit of fingernails trimming (OR:0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.72), mother's hand washing before preparing food (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.85), method of purifying drinking water (OR: 0.45,95% CI: 0.21-0.86) and history of diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive crying, and perianal itching (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.76), (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.76), (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.47-5.64) and (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.50-6.60), respectively. Conclusion: Our study highlights the prevalence of IPIs among children up to two years of age in Karachi, Pakistan. Breastfeeding was found to be protective against IPIs, while other factors such as age, the habit of fingernail trimming, hand washing, water purification, and symptoms of infection were found to be associated with a higher risk of IPIs.