LLLI
Center for Breastfeeding Information
Journal Abstract of the Month for March 2002
"Ecological study
of effect of breast feeding on infant mortality in Latin America"
Ana P. Betran et al. British Medical Journal 02-08-11;323:1-5
Breast feeding rates were
obtained from 16 of 36 Latin American countries. For infants in the
first four months of life (aged 0-3 months) categories examined were
defined as exclusive breast feeding, partial breast feeding and no breast
feeding. For infants aged 4-11 months, the categories examined were
partial breast feeding and no breast feeding. (Partial breast feeding
means receiving any amount of breast feeding.)
Data was collected on the
number of deaths from diarrhoeal disease and acute respiratory infections
in age groups 0-3 months and 4-11 months. 55% of infant deaths from
diarrhea and respiratory infections are preventable by exclusive breast
feeding among infants 0-3 months and continued partial breast feeding
beyond four months. Among infants 4-11 months 32% of such deaths are
preventable by partial breast feeding.
The annual number of preventable
deaths is about 52,000 for the region. Exclusive breast feeding of infants
aged 0-3 months and partial breast feeding throughout the remainder
of infancy could substantially reduce infant mortality in Latin America.
Interventions to promote breast feeding should target younger infants.
This article has been entered
into the database using the following keywords:
Advantages, Diarrhea,
Exclusive Breastfeeding, Promotion, Developing Countries, Latin America,
Epidemiology
Confused?
Breastfeeding, Breast feeding
or Breast-feeding? In La Leche League International materials, "breastfeeding"
is the preferred spelling. In some publications, "breast feeding"
is the choice. In this case, we are using the format of the original
source.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:34:26 UTC 2007.
