Reasons for formula milk consumption in infants under 6 months in Mazandaran province in 2003

Background and Ëxclusive breastfeeding for under six months infants is one of the most important elements in ensuing their health. Breasfeeding has many advantages for infant, mother, family and society. Therefore it is equally important to understand the reasons for formula milk consumption in the society. Â descriptive study was conducted on 462 cases under 6 months in 13 cities of Mazandaran province in 2003. Data were collected from all cases that have used formula milk (complete or partial). Questionnaires were filled in, mothers were interviewed, family folders were checked and finally the data were analyzed using t-test and chi square. The data showed that 59.5% percent of infants exclusively used formula milk and 40.5% partially used it. Form 25 reasons for formula consumption, the most significant reasons were 23.8% twin birth (23.8%) lack of breast milk and failure to thrive (13.4%). Çonclusion: This study showed that twin birth, lack of breast milk and failure to thrive were the most prevalent reasons (50.8%) for formula consumption. 27.4% of the cases of formula consumption were absulute indication and the rest of the reasons need more elucidation.