BREASTFEEDING GAPS AND MALNUTRITION: A STUDY ON CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS
Main Article Content
Keywords
malnutrition, breastfeeding, children under two, exclusive breastfeeding, socioeconomic status,, parental education, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition poses severe risks to children under two, causing stunted growth and weakened immunity. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is advised to mitigate these risks, yet practices vary widely.
Objective: This study examines the link between breastfeeding practices and malnutrition in Pakistani children under two.
Methods: This observational prospective cohort study was conducted at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi Pakistan in the duration from April, 2023 to September, 2023. It includes 348 children. The sample size was based on a 34.6% national malnutrition prevalence. Data were gathered through caregiver interviews, physical exams, and medical records. The primary outcome was malnutrition prevalence. Secondary outcomes included breastfeeding practices, socioeconomic status, and parental education. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with chi-square tests and a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Malnutrition affected 34.6% of participants. Exclusive breastfeeding was linked to lower malnutrition rates (11% vs. 49%, p<0.05). Socioeconomic status and parental education were significant malnutrition predictors.
Conclusion: Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving socioeconomic conditions are vital to reducing malnutrition in children under two. These insights can guide targeted interventions and public health policies to enhance child health outcomes.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr Muhammad Fareeduddin
Consultant Pediatrician, Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Dr Atika Sher
Assistant Professor, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Pakistan.
Dr Riffat Farrukh
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, KMDC Karachi, Pakistan.
Dr Waseem Pasha
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, CMH Kharian Medical College, Kharian Punjab, Pakistan.
Dr Syed Ali Farhan Abbas Rizvi
MBBS, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Pakistan.
Dr Amber Naseer
MCPS-Paedriatics, Senior Registrar, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, KMDC, Karachi, Pakistan