The relationship between infant feeding practices and diarrhoeal infections

Abstract

To determine the relationship between infant-feeding practices and diarrhoeal infections, a descriptive survey was conducted to infants between six to 12 months of age. A guided interview was conducted to 105 mothers of infants who attended the health facilities of Mbabane, Swaziland. The results show that breast-feeding is routinely practiced by the majority of mothers and exclusive breast-feeding is very low, but supplementary feed in the form of formula or solids are introduced by the majority of respondents within the first three months of life. Infants who were given colostrum and breast milk had fewer diarrhoeal attacks. Other factors, for example education and cultural factors influenced the feeding practices and number of diarrhoeal attacks. It is recommended that breast-feeding should be promoted as an important intervention in the control of diarrhoea