Comparison of incidence of acute respiratory infection in exclusively breastfed infants and not exclusively breastfed infants from 61 to 180 days of age: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among infants. Exclusive breastfeeding can considerably decrease the incidence as well as mortality due to ARTI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life in preventing acute respiratory tract infection in infants 61-180 days of age. To compare the incidence of acute respiratory tract infection in exclusively breastfed infants (61-180 days of age) and not exclusively breastfed infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was done among term babies with > 2500g birth weight born in Lourdes hospital during the period from 1st June 2012 to 31st May 2013. Based on feeding habits babies were classified into two groups. Infants were followed up from 61st day to 180th day of life to assess feeding habits and episodes of ARTI. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: 232 episodes of ARTI were recorded during the study of which 165 episodes were recorded in not exclusively breastfed infants. Incidence of ARTI was 2.04 in the exclusively breastfed infants group and 5.02 in the other group. Relative risk of developing ARTI in not exclusively breastfed infants was found to be 2.46. Odds ratio of having ARTI due to lack of exclusive breast feeding during the 61st to 180th day of life was 3.863. Data from this study confirmed the protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against ARTI during the 61st to 180th day of life.