Effect of Breastfeeding on Psychosocial Development in Children Aged 4–6 Years in a Rural Community of Central India: A Cross-sectional Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: CONTEXT: Early childhood nutrition, especially exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), significantly influences physical and psychosocial development. However, the long-term impact of EBF on psychosocial outcomes is less explored, especially in rural settings. This study aims to assess the effect of EBF on psychosocial development in children aged 4-6 years. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to December 2021 in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care center in Nagpur, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-one children aged 4-6 years and their mothers were selected via stratified random sampling. Data on sociodemographic profiles and breastfeeding practices were collected using a case record proforma. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess psychosocial development. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U -tests were applied for group comparisons, with P < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: 58.24% of children received EBF. Longer durations of EBF were associated with better psychosocial outcomes, including fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties, such as conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer issues. CONCLUSION: EBF is linked to fewer psychosocial difficulties in children, emphasizing its importance in early childhood development. Public health efforts should focus on promoting EBF to improve child emotional and behavioral outcomes.
Source: Annals of African Medicine
Authors: Nidhi J. Vithalani, Nishaant Ramasamy, NR Aiswarya Lakshmi, Akanksha Dani, Jyotsna S. Deshmukh, Ashok R. Jadhao
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415027330