Exclusive Breastfeeding Research Articles

Infants admitted to Danish neonatal units demonstrate satisfactory growth independent of feeding type at discharge.

The aim was to investigate feeding type at discharge; exclusively breastfeeding (EBF), mixed breastfeeding (MBF), and formula milk feeding (FMF), factors associated with feeding type, and changes in weight-for-age z-score (ΔWAZ) in infants admitted to Danish neonatal units. Using data from the Danish National Quality Database for Births and the Danish Newborn Quality Database, we included 8639 mother-infant dyads admitted ≥5 days between February 2019 and December 2021. We used logistic regression to investigate associations between maternal and infant factors and feeding type, and descriptive statistics to describe ΔWAZ and feeding type at discharge. Of all infants 59.1% were EBF, 16.9% MBF and 24.0% FMF at discharge. Gestational age <37 weeks, caesarean section, multiple births, small for gestational age, weeks at hospital, ≥6 h before skin-to-skin contact, and few weeks at hospital were associated with failure to EBF at discharge. Median (min-max) ΔWAZ in EBF, MBF and FMF infants was -0.44 (-4.78 to 4.88), -0.43 (-3.47 to 4.42) and -0.39 (-3.54 to 4.03), respectively. ΔWAZ was higher in EBF compared to FMF infants, p-value 0.01, but no significant difference in ΔWAZ between MBF and FMF infants, p-value 0.06. Danish newborn infants demonstrated satisfactory growth during admission to the neonatal unit, independent of feeding type at discharge. Rates of exclusively breastfeeding need improvement.

The influence of social media on Greek mothers’ attitudes and knowledge on breastfeeding

Recently, maternal breastfeeding in Greece has shown a positive trend. However, breastfeeding rates in Greece still lag behind those of other European countries. The participants of this quantitative study were recruited via social media and by personal connections. Data were gathered through questionnaire and analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics with SPSS 20. The study investigates: i) Trust levels among Greek mothers in social groups and their awareness of breastfeeding issues. ii) The impact of active participation in Greek parenting and breastfeeding support groups on Facebook on choosing and sustaining exclusive breastfeeding. iii) Whether engagement in social media groups positively influences the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and extends the overall breastfeeding period for infants. Out of the 776 participants, 727 were part of social media parenting groups. About 27.9% credited these groups for influencing their decision to breastfeed. Moreover, they perceived significant assistance from social media in staying well-informed about breastfeeding. The data collected confirms social media parenting groups positively influence breastfeeding mothers, enhancing knowledge, self-confidence, and deterring negative attitudes. This factor increases the likelihood of sustaining exclusive breastfeeding up to the recommended six months.

Heavy metals exposure and risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among school children in Makassar City, Indonesia.

Heavy metals exposure and risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among school children in Makassar City, Indonesia.

Breastfeeding trajectory of mothers of preterm infants within 6 months postpartum: A longitudinal study.

Breastfeeding trajectory of mothers of preterm infants within 6 months postpartum: A longitudinal study.

Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding after caesarean section: A systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies.

Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding after caesarean section: A systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies.

Extended kangaroo mother care - Examining the utility of skin-to-skin contact over the first year of life.

Kangaroo mother care which involves skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and newborns with support for exclusive breastfeeding, is an important innovation if practiced beyond the first week of life up to 1-year of age. We posit that extended SSC can benefit postpartum metabolic health. Using a narrative literature review, we examine the interaction between hormones oxytocin and cortisol, which are either released or antagonized by the neural actions of skin-to-skin contact. Oxytocin is released during SSC, which promotes attachment, improves parent-infant interactions and lowers levels of cortisol. No studies to date have reported SSC use beyond the first 5 to 7 weeks postpartum. Although no differences have been observed in infant body weight, increased head circumference has been noted among pre-term and low birth weight infants. Improved breastfeeding outcomes have also been observed. Oxytocin release is protective against type-2 diabetes and obesity in postpartum women, given its effects on β-cell function, improved insulin response and reduction of plasma glucose levels. Oxytocin has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and thermoregulatory effects. Hypothetical benefits due to oxytocin-cortisol dynamics, can be assumed for maternal posttraumatic stress, postpartum depression and anxiety. Sleep patterns, duration of crying and length of sleep are dose-dependent in effect. Postnatal skin-brain connection and thermoregulation via epidermal keratinocytes may mediate the relationship between SSC and autism spectrum disorder. The extended use of SSC can lower dependence on pharmacotherapeutic options concerning postpartum mental health and galactagogue use while supporting maternal-infant psychosocial well-being and lowering stress via hormonal action and HPA-axis activation.

Intentions and Barriers Towards Successful Breastfeeding among Mothers of Bataraza Palawan

Breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), plays a crucial role in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) strongly advocate EBF for the first six months of life, emphasizing its potential to prevent infant morbidity and mortality. This study determined the Intentions and Barriers toward successful breastfeeding among the mothers of Bataraza in Palawan. Specifically, it explored how demographic factors can be a hindrance to successful breastfeeding. Using a descriptive-quantitative research design, 15 breastfeeding mothers purposively selected from six barangays in Bataraza, Palawan participated in the study.

Assessment of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices among Mothers Attending Maternal and Child Health Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital, North Karnataka, India - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are crucial for children’s health and survival, protecting against diarrhea and acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). Despite strong evidence, breastfeeding and complementary feeding rates remain low. This study aimed to assess IYCF practices among mothers and identify associated morbidities in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 mothers of children aged 0–24 months at the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, using convenience sampling over 2 months (October–November 2023). Data were collected via a pretested semi-structured questionnaire based on WHO IYCF indicators and analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: The study found that 57.75% of mothers initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery, and 49% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for infants aged 0–6 months. However, only 28.6% met minimum dietary diversity (MDD), 13.2% met minimum meal frequency, and 13.2% achieved a minimum acceptable diet. Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with lower incidence of diarrhea (P ≤ 0.0001) and ARTIs (P &lt; 0.0001). Bottle feeding was linked to higher rates of diarrhea (P = 0.002) and ARTIs (P = 0.04). Diarrhea was also significantly associated with inadequate dietary diversity (P = 0.02) and sweetened beverage intake (P = 0.0002). Conclusion: The findings highlight the link between inadequate feeding practices and increased risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections. Immediate interventions, including health worker training and community nutrition programs, are essential to enhance maternal knowledge and improve infant feeding practices, ultimately reducing childhood illnesses.

Impact of Maternal Anxiety on Breastfeeding Practices

ABSTRACTThis study explored the relationship between maternal anxiety and breastfeeding practices among mothers in the Greater Accra Metropolis, Ghana, addressing a research gap in low‐ and middle‐income countries. A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used to recruit 161 breastfeeding mothers aged 18–45 years with babies aged 1–24 months from postnatal welfare clinics through convenience sampling. Data collection involved face‐to‐face interviews using a structured questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic information, maternal anxiety, and breastfeeding practices. Maternal anxiety was evaluated with the modified 12‐item Postpartum‐Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS), covering four domains: maternal competence and attachment, infant safety and welfare, practical infant care, and psychosocial adjustment to motherhood. Breastfeeding practices were assessed according to World Health Organization guidelines. The study found a high prevalence of maternal anxiety, with 88.8% of mothers experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and 11.2% reporting severe anxiety, particularly in domains related to infant safety and psychosocial adjustments. Breastfeeding practices varied with 81% of infants still being breastfed at the time of the interview, 76% of mothers initiating breastfeeding within the first hour postpartum, and 73% practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Statistical analyses, including Wilcoxon tests, revealed significant associations between elevated anxiety related to maternal competencies and delayed breastfeeding initiation (p = 0.04). Maternal anxiety related to infant safety and care was significantly correlated with exclusive breastfeeding practices (p = 0.013 and p = 0.030). These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to address maternal anxiety during the perinatal period to promote optimal breastfeeding practices and improve maternal‐infant health outcomes. Routine screening for anxiety and comprehensive support from healthcare providers are crucial, especially in resource‐constrained settings. Future research should explore the long‐term impacts of maternal anxiety on breastfeeding and child development across diverse socio‐cultural contexts.

Generating political priority for breastfeeding and the adoption of Kenya’s 2012 BMS act: the importance of women’s leadership

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends initiating breastfeeding in the first hour of life, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding for at least two years. Aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes (BMS) undermines breastfeeding and is linked to adverse child and maternal health outcomes. This is particularly problematic in the Global South, where socioeconomic conditions often amplify the risks associated with BMS. The adoption of national BMS legislation in line with the 1981 International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes is therefore crucial but difficult due to strong opposition from the transnational formula milk industry. Breastfeeding advocates in Kenya were able to overcome this powerful opposition when the country adopted a strict BMS Act in 2012, which has since facilitated and protected remarkable improvements in breastfeeding rates. We conduct a qualitative case study to identify the political enablers of the successful adoption of this important law.ResultsBMS legislation was first politically debated in Kenya in the 1980s following mobilization of women-led civil society organizations, namely the Breastfeeding Information Group and the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization. The issue re-emerged on the political agenda in the 2000s but faced opposition from the transnational formula milk industry. Kenya’s BMS Act was ultimately adopted during a policy window opened by a constitutional reform. Support for the adoption of this landmark law was led by effective female political leaders, including public health minister Beth Mugo, the ministry’s nutrition division head Terrie Wefwafwa, and members of the Kenya Women’s Parliamentary Association. In the formulation and adoption of the law, these female leaders received important support from international organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund, as well as from powerful male allies, including president Mwai Kibaki.ConclusionsThe Kenyan case illustrates how women’s political leadership can counteract the power of the transnational formula milk industry and help achieve strict BMS legislation. Effective female leadership for BMS legislation can occur in various political offices and positions, including those of ministers, legislators and bureaucrats. Female leaders can leverage their own influence by strategically exploiting policy windows and recruiting male allies.

Breastfeeding methods among teachers at the female training and education institutions in the Municipality of Yopougon

Breastfeeding is a mode of infant nutrition that must be prioritized to promote the proper growth of the baby as well as its health. With modernization, women work more and more and are often forced to abandon their babies for work. It is therefore necessary to identify the factors that promote changes in breastfeeding patterns among employed women. This research aims to determine the factors that modify breastfeeding patterns among women in the commune of Yopougon, working in women's socio-educational centers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the form of a questionnaire survey in the four Women's Training and Education Institutions in Yopougon (city of Abidjan). It showed that before obtaining a stable civil servant job, 83,72% of the women surveyed adopted the exclusive breastfeeding mode. This proportion decreased to 16.3% after obtaining a civil servant job. The main obstacles to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding by these women are the distance between the place of residence and the place of work, and the insufficient duration of maternity leave. It is important to set up breastfeeding areas and facilitate the transport of women with their babies from home to the place of work for the continuity of exclusive breastfeeding.

Effect of Integrating Social and Behavior Change Communication Strategies in Nutrition-Sensitive Social-Protection Programs on Specific Nutritional Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Achieving adequate nutrition for vulnerable populations is central to the second Sustainable Development Goal. Nutrition-sensitive social-protection programs combined with social and behavior change communication (SBCC) interventions can support this goal, particularly in developing countries. However, systematic evidence on the impact of integrating SBCC strategies into these programs is limited, especially concerning anthropometric outcomes, dietary diversity, food consumption, and food security. This systematic review aimed to assess the importance of integrating SBCC interventions into nutrition-sensitive social-protection programs for optimal nutritional outcomes. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched for original research articles before December 2024. A total of 15 publications, involving data from multiple households, mothers, and children, were identified. All extracted data were compiled, compared, and critically analyzed. The review included 7 randomized controlled trials, 5 cluster-randomized trials, and 3 descriptive studies. Most studies demonstrated significant improvements in maternal and child dietary diversity, household food consumption, and minimum meal frequencies. Knowledge and practices around exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding also improved substantially. Among children, stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence decreased significantly, with effect sizes indicating meaningful public health impacts. However, the sustainability of these outcomes depended on the follow-up duration. Notably, none of the included studies exhibited a high risk of bias, reinforcing the reliability of the findings. Integrating SBCC into nutrition-sensitive social-protection programs is effective in achieving clinically significant nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations. While the findings suggest sustained benefits, further research is needed to determine optimal entry points, effective messaging, advocacy strategies, and communication channels. This is particularly critical for lower-and middle-income countries, where malnutrition remains a critical challenge. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023452510.

Survival status and predictors of early neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals, Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study.

The first week after birth is the high-risk time for neonatal death. Early neonatal mortality is still a major global health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan African nations like Ethiopia. Most neonatal deaths (about 75%) occur within the first seven days of life. Still, there is limited evidence on survival status and predictors that may determine when a neonate dies in the early days of life in the study area. The study aimed to assess survival status and predictors of early neonatal mortality for neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units in the study area, 2023. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in four randomly selected public hospitals from January 1-2022 to January 1-2023 on 375 randomly selected neonatal data charts. The data were collected through document review and checklists using conventional random selection approaches. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 26.0. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve with a log-rank test was applied to compare the survival rates between groups. Bivariable and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of early neonatal mortality. The assumptions of the model were verified. A total of 375 eligible neonates were studied and the incidence rate of 37.1 deaths per 1000 live births was found (95% CI: 25.5, 40.9), with 75 of them (20%) died. Premature birth [AHR: 4 (95% CI: 1.234, 5.80)], pre-eclampsia [AHR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.16, 4.98)], fifth-minute Apgar score [AHR: 3.93 (95% CI: 1.76, 8.77)], not initiating exclusive breastfeeding [AHR: 3.69 (95% CI: 1.14, 9.02)], and low birth weight [AHR: 2.01 (95% CI; 1.28, 3.43) were found to be the independent predictors of early neonatal mortality. High early neonatal mortality is observed in the study area. Gestational age, pre-eclampsia, 5th min Apgar score, not initiating exclusive breastfeeding, and low birth weight were independent predictors of early neonatal death. We recommend that proactive care for a neonate with a low Apgar score, who is not breastfeeding, is premature, has a low birth weight, and is born from a mother who has pregnancy-induced hypertension is very important.

Lower Adherence to Breastfeeding Recommendations in Mothers Treated With Antirheumatic and Antidepressant Medications.

Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is recommended, but breastfeeding safety data is insufficient for several medications. To determine if mothers treated with chronic medications are less likely to breastfeed. For this secondary analysis, 6383 pregnant women in the MotherToBaby cohort recruited from the United States and Canada between 2010 and 2022 were included. Participants treated with antirheumatic medications (ARM), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and asthma medications during pregnancy were divided into two groups based on their medication use: continuers and discontinuers. Breastfeeding initiation, supplementation with commercial milk formula, and discontinuation of breastfeeding before 6 months were compared between those exposed and unexposed to medication use. Adjusted risk and hazard ratios (aRR, aHR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated with modified Poisson and Cox regressions adjusted for year, parity, socioeconomic status, body mass index, smoking, illicit drug use, race and ethnicity. The sample included 799 (12.5%) continuers and 475 (7.4%) discontinuers of ARM, 293 continuers (4.6%) and 63 (1.0%) discontinuers of SSRIs, and 217 (3.4%) continuers and 97 (1.5%) discontinuers of asthma medications. There were 4,439 (69.6%) participants who were unexposed to the study medications. Both ARM continuers and discontinuers were more likely to not breastfeed (aRRs 95% CI: 3.92 [3.03, 5.07] and 3.08 [2.19, 4.33]), to supplement (aRRs 95% CI: 1.12 [1.01, 1.26] and 1.25 [1.10, 1.43]) and stop breastfeeding before 6 months (aHRs 95% CI: 1.72 [1.29, 2.31] and 1.41 [0.92, 2.15]). SSRI continuers were more likely to supplement (aRR 95% CI: 1.26 [1.08, 1.47]). Participants treated with chronic medications, primarily ARMs, were less likely to breastfeed. Targeted lactation support for mothers with chronic illnesses is recommended along with development of breastfeeding safety data for these medications.

Clinico-epidemiological profile of severe acute malnutrition in infants below 6 months

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is major public health burden, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Early intervention during the first 1000 days of life is critical for influencing long-term health outcomes. This thesis aims to study clinico-epidemiological profile of SAM in infants under six months of age and to evaluate the outcomes after receiving facility-based care at NRC. Methods: The study is an observational prospective longitudinal study done in NRC of LLR Hospital, Kanpur including infants less than 6 months of age with SAM. Results: Out of 204 patients enrolled in the study, maximum percentage of patients were less than 2 months old. Male to female ratio was 1.27:1. SAM was more prevalent in infants with mixed feeding than Exclusive Breastfeeding. Low birth weight and the gestational age were associated with the occurrence of SAM. Other risk factors such as maternal illiteracy and family size were noted. Infants most commonly presented with lethargy followed by diarrhoea with dehydration and fever. Re-lactation was established in 56.7% of infants through Supplementary Suckling Technique (SST). Percentage of defaulters were 2% and death rate during NRC stay was 0.9%. 95% were discharged successfully from NRC, 66.9% were declared completely cured from NRC program on various follow up visits. 0.9%expired during the hospital stay and 2.9% infants expired after discharge. Conclusions: Lack of exclusive breastfeeding, inappropriate feeding practices, low birth weight, maternal illiteracy, increased family size are the common risk factors for SAM. Proper counselling of the mother can help in improving exclusive breastfeeding rate.

Colostrum avoidance and associated factors among mothers of children under the age of six months in Sekota Zuria woreda, Waghimra zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundEarly initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) are critical practices for ensuring optimal early-life and long-term well-being among human populations, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although Ethiopia enjoys a high rate of breastfeeding (BF) overall, common practices, such as colostrum avoidance, impede the nation from attaining the BF targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO).ObjectiveTo assess colostrum avoidance and its associated factors among mothers of children under the age of six months in the Sekota Zuria Woreda of the Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia, 2022.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 26 and July 30, 2022, in the Sekota Zuria Woreda of the Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia. The study included 421 mothers of children under the age of six months, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Once written consent was obtained from all participants, a pretested and reliability-checked questionnaire was employed to interview and gather data. During the analysis, descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to summarize and explore the statistical associations between the dependent and explanatory variables. In the bivariate logistic regression analysis, variables with a P-value of < 0.25 were exported to the multivariate logistic regression model for further analysis. Finally, using a P-value of < 0.05 as an indicator of statistical significance, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) at 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) was calculated.ResultsAccording to this study, 19.0% (95% CI: 15.0–22.8%) of the mothers in Sekota Zuria Woreda avoided colostrum. In addition, mothers who did not receive Antenatal Care (ANC) (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1–7.8), gave birth at home (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 2.0–10.8), lacked participation in the Women’s Health Developmental Army (WHDA) (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.9–11.4), gave pre-lacteal feeds (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2–7.1), had insufficient knowledge (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2–7.6), and had a negative attitude toward colostrum feeding (AOR = 6.5, 95% CI: 3.0–14.2) were more likely to avoid colostrum.ConclusionsIn Sekota Zuria Woreda, the prevalence of colostrum avoidance is high, with nearly one in five mothers withholding colostrum from their newborns. This practice is primarily driven by poor utilization of healthcare services, lack of participation in the WHDA, inadequate knowledge, and negative attitudes toward colostrum. Creating an environment that encourages, enables, and supports mothers to utilize healthcare services and participate in the WHDA while also improving their knowledge and attitudes toward colostrum is crucial for decreasing the prevalence of colostrum avoidance in the Woreda.

Impact of discontinuation of lactation consultant program on early infant feeding in Manitoba

BackgroundLactation Consultants (LC) at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) and St Boniface General Hospitals (SBGH) supported the lactation of 2/3 of Manitoba newborns since 1994. The LC program in HSC was discontinued in 2018. Its impact on infant feeding in the province remains unclear.MethodsTo assess the influence of the LC program cessation on the feeding of newborns in postpartum wards via a retrospective administrative database cohort.ResultsA total of 126,285 infants were delivered in all Manitoban hospitals during 2014–2021 [First Nations (FN): 21%, all others: 79%, urban: 55%, rural: 41% and remote: 4%]. The rates of breastfeeding were lower and formula feeding were higher in FN and all other newborns after the program cessation (2018–2021) compared to that during 2014–2017 (p < 0.01). The intensity of the changes in infant feeding among FN or remote-living newborns during 2018–2021 were 2–threefold greater than that among all others or urban/rural-living newborns delivered in HSC (p < 0.01). In contrast, infant feeding status stayed stable for those delivered at SBGH where the LC program did not withdraw. The cessation of LC program decreased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for exclusive breastfeeding in FN infants (aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.98) and urban-living infants (aOR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.98), but not in all others, rural- or remote-living infants. Increased odds for formula feeding was detected in FN and all other infants living in various regions in the province during 2018–2021 compared to that during 2014–2017 (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings suggest that the discontinuation of LC program decreased breastfeeding and increased formula feeding, and the unfavorable changes in infant feeding was most profound among FN and remote-living infants.

Optimalisasi Sumber Daya Manusia Dalam Upaya Peningkatan Potensi dan Mutu Desa

The optimization of human resources in rural areas is a challenge that must be addressed systematically. This community service program aims to improve the well-being of Widoro Village residents by increasing awareness of child health and fostering community-based economic empowerment. This study employs a qualitative method with a participatory approach, engaging the community in all stages of planning and implementation. Direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted to identify key community needs. The implemented programs include exclusive breastfeeding (ASI) and complementary feeding (MPASI) education, digital marketing training for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and skill enhancement for village youth. The results show that health education successfully increased parental awareness of better childcare practices, while MSME assistance helped enhance product marketing innovations. Additionally, community-based interventions proved effective in strengthening social networks and improving the capacity of village officials in technology-based administration. The success of this program demonstrates that community empowerment can drive sustainable social transformation. Continued support from village authorities, ongoing training, and strengthening local leadership are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of this initiative in other villages with similar characteristics.

Data analysis of 7-year-old Moscow children according to the WHO research program (COSI): anthropometry and lifestyle indicators

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity in children are associated with diseases in adulthood: metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and some types of cancer. In 2006, WHO initiated the European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative COSI, according to which a survey of Moscow first-graders was conducted in 2017. The Initiative’s publications provided general characteristics of the Russian sample along with those of other countries participating in the Initiative, while the collected Russian data allowed for analysis that is more detailed.AIM: To characterize the population of 7-year-old children in Moscow based on anthropometric parameters and lifestyle indicators.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An epidemiological study was conducted at the National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology of the Russian Ministry of Health in 2017 as part of the COSI program. We examined 7-year-old children studying in one of the 1st grade 68 randomly selected Moscow schools. The study was carried out in accordance with the COSI study protocol, and child, parent and school questionnaire forms were completed. WHO and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria were used to assess body weight.RESULTS: 2166 children aged 7 years (1068 boys and 1098 girls) were examined. In total, 24.42% of children are overweight or obese according to WHO criteria, 95% CI (22.63%; 26.29%), according to IOTF criteria — 19.21%, 95% CI (17.57%; 20. 93%). 3.0% of children (2.3%; 3.8%) are underweight according to WHO criteria, 2.8% (2.2%; 3.6%) are underweight according to IOTF criteria. The median duration of breastfeeding, (BF) is 8 months, exclusive breastfeeding is 4 months. No relationship was found between the duration of breastfeeding and the child’s weight. Fathers’ BMI is higher than mothers’ BMI. Parents more often believe that their child is normal or underweight than is actually observed. About 2/3 of children go to school on foot or by mechanical transport, participate in sports or dance sections, and spend 1–2 hours a day in outdoor games on weekdays. The duration of reading and preparing lessons on weekdays and weekends does not differ, while the duration of walks on weekends is higher. Screen time on weekends is almost double that on weekdays.CONCLUSION: For the first time, detailed results of an epidemiological study of 7-year-old children in Moscow under the COSI program are presented: assessments of weight, height and other anthropometric indicators, as well as the results of a survey of parents regarding their anthropometric parameters, family history, and children’s lifestyle.

Association between postpartum anxiety and depression and exclusive and continued breastfeeding practices: a cross-sectional study in Nevada, USA

BackgroundExclusive (EBF) and continued breastfeeding (CBF) as defined by the World Health Organization are the optimal feeding practices. Perinatal Mental Health Conditions (PMHCs) such as anxiety and depression may influence breastfeeding practices. We aimed to examine if maternal postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms, individually and combined (comorbid), influence EBF and CBF practices.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023 with 326 mothers of children 0–23 months old, all residing in Clark County, Nevada, USA. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between self-reported postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms and EBF and CBF in the 24 h prior to the survey.ResultsThe prevalence of EBF among infants under 6 months old and CBF among children 6–23 months old was 36.3% (n = 41) and 52.1% (n = 111), respectively. After adjusting for maternal socio-demographic, perinatal, and infant/child characteristics, decreased odds of EBF were associated with the presence of postpartum depressive symptoms (AOR 0.13; 95% CI 0.03,0.55) and the comorbid presence of postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms (AOR 0.16; 95% CI 0.04,0.66). Similarly, decreased odds of CBF were associated with the presence of postpartum anxiety symptoms (AOR 0.36; 95% CI 0.16,0.82).ConclusionPostpartum anxiety and depression symptoms decreased the odds of breastfeeding practices among mothers of children under two years old in Clark County, Nevada. However, the relationship may be bidirectional or inverse, requiring further research to clarify. Culturally appropriate interventions to reduce postpartum anxiety and depression are essential to improve breastfeeding practices.