Work

From infancy to school age – a retrospective study of breastfeeding duration and early childhood health in a cohort of 6–7-year-olds

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Breastfeeding, particularly in early infancy, plays a crucial role in child health. While its benefits are well documented, few studies have examined how maternal characteristics and sources of breastfeeding knowledge relate to long-term child health outcomes. The aim of the study is to assess associations between the duration of any breastfeeding and maternal socio-demographic factors, breastfeeding information sources, frequency of childhood infections, motor development, and chronic disease occurrence in children aged 6-7 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 560 mother-child pairs from a family medicine clinic. Eligible children were aged 6-7 years, born after an uncomplicated perinatal course. Data were collected through maternal questionnaires, interviews, and chart reviews. Children were grouped by breastfeeding duration: G1 (0-3 months), G2 (4-6 months), G3 (7-12 months), G4 (>12 months). Outcomes included infection rates, motor milestones, and chronic disease prevalence. RESULTS: Longer breastfeeding (G3-G4) was associated with older maternal age, higher education, professional counselling, and a non-significant trend related to place of residence. Children in G3-G4 had fewer respiratory, otitis media, and gastrointestinal infections (p < 0.05), and lower overall infection rates. No differences were found for UTIs or skin infections. A non-significant trend toward earlier standing was noted in G3-G4 (p = 0.06). Chronic disease prevalence was highest in G1 (41.5%) and lowest in G3 (17%) and G4 (16%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Longer duration of any breastfeeding was linked to lower rates of infections and chronic conditions in early childhood. Targeted support for younger and less-educated mothers may help improve breastfeeding outcomes and child health.

Source: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine

DOI: 10.26444/aaem/213418