1. Prevalence of breastfeeding in children with congenital heart diseases and down syndrome.
- Author
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Agostini CO, Poloni S, Barbiero SM, and Vian I
- Subjects
- Breast Feeding, Child, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Prevalence, Down Syndrome epidemiology, Heart Defects, Congenital epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide incidence of Down syndrome is one in a thousand live births a year. Of these, it is estimated that 20-60% have congenital heart disease, a factor that hinders breastfeeding. Considering the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, a study verifying this prevalence in children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease is indispensable, and this is not yet evidenced in the literature. The aim of this study is to verify the prevalence of breastfeeding in children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease admitted to a referral hospital in cardiology., Methods: Cross-sectional study with 62 patients, aged between 0 and 5 years. Anthropometric variables (weight, height) and data related to breastfeeding were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS® version 26.0 statistical software., Results: The prevalence of breastfeeding was of 80.6%, but the median of exclusive breastfeeding was of only 3 days. Only 38.7% received breastfeeding for more than 6 months. The main reasons for interruption were difficulty in sucking and tiredness to breastfeed. Statistical significance was evidenced when comparing the time of exclusive breastfeeding and maintenance with the mother's education, with p = 0.006 and p = 0.041, respectively. No relationship was found between nutritional status and breastfeeding., Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of breastfeeding, the maintenance time is well below the recommendations. Therefore, further monitoring and promotion of breastfeeding is necessary for this population, given the countless benefits of breast milk., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest associated with the publication of this article., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)
- Published
- 2021
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