Abstract
Objective: To verify the association between early weaning, sociodemographic variables and deleterious oral habits in 3-5 year-old Brazilian children. Material and Methods: Retrospective observational study with longitudinal design used a random sample of 150 children representing a population of 388 children enrolled in public schools of Domingos Martins, Brazil. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire aimed at parents / guardians. The dependent variable considered for analysis was the presence of habits - pacifier and finger sucking - and as explanatory variables: gender, age, early weaning and socioeconomic status. Early weaning was considered when exclusive breastfeeding was suspended before six months of age. Chi-square test was used to verify association among variables. Significance level adopted was 5%. To check the strength of association, Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals were used. Results: Significant association was found between variables age of 4 and 5 years (p = 0.030, OR = 2.193, CI = 1.029; 4.673) and early weaning (p = 0.001, OR = 5.045, CI = 2.087; 12.199) with pacifier sucking habit. Conclusion: Association between age, early weaning and pacifier sucking habits was observed. Early weaning can be considered a risk factor for pacifier sucking habit.
Highlights
Breastfeeding has multiple well-recognized benefits either in the short or long term and provides advantages for both infant and mother
The dependent variable considered for analysis was the presence of habits - pacifier and finger sucking - and as explanatory variables: gender, age, early weaning and socioeconomic status
Weaning was considered when exclusive breastfeeding was suspended before six months of age
Summary
Breastfeeding has multiple well-recognized benefits either in the short or long term and provides advantages for both infant and mother. The nutritional and immunological properties of breast milk play a fundamental role in the nutritional status, growth and development of infants [1]. Acceleration of loss of weight gained in pregnancy and post-partum uterine involution, protection against anemia resulting from longer puerperal amenorrhea, lower incidence of breast and ovarian cancer, among others, are among the advantages of breastfeeding for the mother. Breastfeeding benefits the family: it is economical and practical option [2,3]. Promoting breastfeeding can be a good example of public policy that involves family, community, government and civil society, with great impact on child development [4]
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