EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL (IN)SECURITY

Abstract

Objective: To compare the duration of maternal breastfeeding in children aged under one year among families in relation to food security and different levels of food and nutritional insecurity. Material and Methods: A longitudinal, retrospective study with intentional sample was accomplished. A total of 301 children aged under one year participated in the survey. A structured questionnaire was applied, including questions related to socioeconomic profile, maternal and child health, as well as food security/insecurity. The average duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding was calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival estimate. We used the Log-Rank test to compare the times of lactation according to the security situation and the levels of food insecurity. The variables were included in a multivariate Cox regression model. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The duration of exclusive and total maternal breastfeeding was 32.4 days (27.9 -36.9 95% CI) and 214 days (165.6 - 262.4 95% CI), respectively. Severe food insecurity was perceived by 11% of families. In these households, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 61.8 days, 32.6 – 91.0 95%CI versus 30.4 days, 29.1 – 31.7 95%CI estimated in other families. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was higher among families under severe food insecurity and without access to garbage collection. Conclusions: Children who live with families under disadvantaged conditions have longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding. DESCRIPTORS: Food Security. Breast Feeding. Infant Nutrition. Infant. Child Health.