Mode of feeding milk at one year of age and its relationship with respiratory infections of infants referred to healthcare centers of Sanandaj city, 1386

The advantages of breast feeding especially exclusive breast-feeding have been clearly demonstrated. It has also been emphasized in our religious instructions. Breastfeeding infants by mother as an inclusive food could empower immunology system of infants. Breastfeeding as the ideal method of feeding infants is well accepted around the world because of its protective effect against intestinal and respiratory infection. The present study therefore designed and conducted to determine modes of breast feeding at one year age and its relation to respiratory infections of infants referred to healthcare centers of Sanandaj during 1386. In this case-control study, 100 infants with acute respiratory infection were recruited conveniently. The samples were drawn from hospitals and health centers. 100 matched healthy infants were also recruited to the study from the health centers. The diagnosis of ARIs were made by physicians. Data were gathered through structured interviews based on a questionnaire contained demographic factors and modes of breastfeeding. The data was analyzed using Chi-square and t student tests. A significant correlation was demonstrated between breastfeeding modes in two groups of infants with Acute Respiratory Infection and healthy infants (P=0.000) OR=5.44 (2.15:13.76). It was also found that there is a significant relationship between breastfeeding modes with starting time of complementary nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding in both groups. The study revealed the increased risk of respiratory infections among infants who don’t receive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding during the first year have considerable protective effects against respiratory infections and could significantly reduce the disease duationa dn related mortality rate. Exclusive breastfeeding during first six months reduce the risk of respiratory and infectious diseases among infants because of its ingredients. Public education regarding the differences of breastfeeding compare to other milk sources could be effective.