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<A HREF="http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/99/6/e5?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&author1=scariati&searchid=1050449389743_10801&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&journalcode=pediatrics">http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/99/6/e5?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&
RESULTFORMAT=&author1=scariati&searchid=1050449389743_10801&stored_search=&
FIRSTINDEX=0&journalcode=pediatrics</A>
PEDIATRICS Vol. 99 No. 6 June 1997, p. e5
Copyright ©1997 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
ELECTRONIC ARTICLE:
A Longitudinal Analysis of Infant Morbidity and the Extent of Breastfeeding
in the United States
Paula D. Scariati, Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, and Sara Beck Fein
ABSTRACT Background. Studies on the health benefits of breastfeeding in
developed countries have shown conflicting results. These studies often fail
to account for confounding, reverse causality, and dose-response effects. We
addressed these issues in analyzing longitudinal data to determine if
breastfeeding protects US infants from developing diarrhea and ear
infections. Methods. Mothers participating in a mail panel provided
information on their infants at ages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 months. Infants
were classified as exclusively breastfed; high, middle, or low mixed breast-
and formula-fed; or exclusively formula-fed. Diarrhea and ear infection
diagnoses were based on mothers' reports. Infant age and gender; other liquid
and solid intake; maternal education, occupation, and smoking; household
size; family income; and day care use were adjusted for in the full models.
Results. The risk of developing either diarrhea or ear infection increased
as the amount of breast milk an infant received decreased. In the full
models, the risk for diarrhea remained significant only in infants who
received no breast milk compared with those who received only breast milk
(odds ratio = 1.8); the risk for ear infection remained significant in the
low mixed feeding group (odds ratio = 1.6) and among infants receiving no
breast milk compared with those who received only breast milk (odds ratio
= 1.7). Conclusions. Breastfeeding protects US infants against the
development of diarrhea and ear infection. Breastfeeding does not have to be
exclusive to confer this benefit. In fact, protection is afforded in a
dose-response manner. The more breast milk an infant receives in the first
6 months of life, the less likely that he or she will develop diarrhea or ear
infection. longitudinal analysis, diarrhea, ear infection, breastfeeding.
Karen Gromada
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