Background
In the early months of life, Breastfeeding
increases chance of survival, reduces
recovery time after disease and mortality
due to infections such as diarrhea and
acute respiratory infections. However,
infants who are exclusively breast-fed for
more than 6 months in developing
countries may be at increased risk of
anemia. Therefore, the aim of study was to
assess the relation between duration of
breastfeeding and anemia.
Materials and Methods
In this analytical cross-sectional study, 400
neonates registered in primary health care
system since birth time. Complete blood
count and serum ferritin were obtained.
Data were analyzed by chi- square test and
regression analysis. P-value less than 0.05
was considered significant and 95%
confidence interval was noted.
Results
Results of this study showed that 199
infants were anemic (Hemoglobin (Hb)
concentration <11 mg/dl). Ten percent of
anemic patients reported Ferritin< 12ng/dl
and %25 of anemic children had iron
deficiency anemia (IDA). In Binominal
logistic regression, merely kind of delivery
and duration of breastfeeding were
effective factors. Binominal logistic
regression also showed that natural vaginal
delivery and exclusive breastfeeding up to
6 months had a significant influence on
anemia. Exclusive breast feeding for 6
months or more increased the likelihood of
anemia. In addition, 4 months exclusive
breastfeeding decreased 0.686 fold the
likelihood of anemia.
Conclusion
It seems that revision of health program
recommendations for iron supplementation
can be constructive. National planning to
promote the level of knowledge regarding
natural vaginal delivery and appropriate
period for clamping can be recommended.