1. The effect of breastfeeding on child development at 5 years: A cohort study.
- Author
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O'Callaghan, M, Quinn, PJ, Williams, GM, Najman, JM, Andersen, MJ, and Bor, W
- Subjects
BREASTFEEDING & psychology ,COGNITIVE learning ,CHILD development ,PEDIATRICS - Abstract
Objective: It is uncertain to what degree the relationship between breastfeeding and later cognitive development is a true biological effect, or is confounded by psychosocial factors. The study aim was to further investigate this relationship and the effect of duration of breast feeding on cognitive development. Methods: A total of 3880 children were followed from birth. Breastfeeding duration was measured by questionaire at 6 months of age and a Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Revised (PPVT-R) was administered at 5 years. PPVT-R scores were adjusted for the effects of a large array of biological and psychosocial confounders. The relationship between breastfeeding and the mean PPVT-R scores were examined using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression. Results: A strong positive relationship was demonstrated between breastfeeding and the PPVT-R scores with increasing scores with increased duration of breastfeeding. After adjusting for a wide range of biological and social factors, the adjusted mean for those breastfed for 6 months or more was 8.2 points higher for females and 5.8 points for males when compared to those never breastfed. Conclusion: These findings suggest a significant benefit to child development is conferred by breastfeeding and is related independently to longer periods of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2001
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