INFANT FEEDING PATTERNS AND ITS IMPACT ON INFANT GROWTH AND HOSPITALIZATION RATE

Abstract

Background: Infancy is a critical period characterized by rapid growth and development. The choice of feeding method whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, or complementary feeding has a significant impact on a child's health. Previous studies suggest that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life supports optimal growth and development.

Objectives: To assess the difference among feeding patterns, measure the growth and determine the rate of hospitalization in infants with different feeding patterns.

Method:  An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Karol War rural community of Lahore, Pakistan, involving 189 mothers of infants aged 1–12 months, selected through convenience sampling. Mothers with co-morbidities, psychiatric conditions, surrogate births, or prior knowledge of breastfeeding were excluded. Data were collected using a modified questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, utilizing frequencies, graphical representations, and ANOVA with p less than 0.05.

Results: There is a significant difference between infant weight and feeding patterns, with bottle-fed infants showing higher weight gain (8.87 ± 2.345; p = 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in height (p = 0.219). A significant association was also observed between feeding patterns and hospitalization rates, with formula-fed infants having a higher mean hospitalization rate (2.77 ± 0.504; p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Most of the infants were breastfed, followed by those who received mixed feeding and bottle feeding. Furthermore, the study found that bottle feeding was associated with increased weight compared to other feeding patterns; however, it also showed higher hospitalization rates among infants, primarily due to gastrointestinal disorders. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to promote optimal health outcomes for both mothers and infants.