The Relationship between Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration and Growth in San Pablo, Ecuador

Resumen

This study sought to determine (1) the relationship between Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) duration and future height; (2) the prevalence of EBF in San Pablo, Ecuador (3) the risk factors for stunting in an impoverished setting. This study surveyed the mothers of 148 first graders in primary schools in San Pablo, Ecuador, and then measured the height of the children. The study revealed that 8.1% of women performed EBF for 12 months. Stunting did not correlate to the duration of EBF (p=0.9484). Stunted children and non-stunted children did not differ in many potential confounders; however, the number of children in the family was higher for stunted children than non-stunted children (p=0.0139). This study suggests that EBF duration has no effect on future stunting. The number of children in the family increased the risk of stunting. Unlike previous research, which showed underfeeding in South America, this study revealed an Ecuadorian community that values prolonged EBF culturally. Abstract This study sought to determine (1) the relationship between Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) duration and future height; (2) the prevalence of EBF in San Pablo, Ecuador (3) the risk factors for stunting in an impoverished setting. This study surveyed the mothers of 148 first graders in primary schools in San Pablo, Ecuador, and then measured the height of the children. The study revealed that 8.1% of women performed EBF for 12 months. Stunting did not correlate to the duration of EBF (p=0.9484). Stunted children and non-stunted children did not differ in many potential confounders; however, the number of children in the family was higher for stunted children than non-stunted children (p=0.0139). This study suggests that EBF duration has no effect on future stunting. The number of children in the family increased the risk of stunting. Unlike previous research, which showed underfeeding in South America, this study revealed an Ecuadorian community that values prolonged EBF culturally. Abstract This study sought to determine (1) the relationship between Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) duration and future height; (2) the prevalence of EBF in San Pablo, Ecuador (3) the risk factors for stunting in an impoverished setting. This study surveyed the mothers of 148 first graders in primary schools in San Pablo, Ecuador, and then measured the height of the children. The study revealed that 8.1% of women performed EBF for 12 months. Stunting did not correlate to the duration of EBF (p=0.9484). Stunted children and non-stunted children did not differ in many potential confounders; however, the number of children in the family was higher for stunted children than non-stunted children (p=0.0139). This study suggests that EBF duration has no effect on future stunting. The number of children in the family increased the risk of stunting. Unlike previous research, which showed underfeeding in South America, this study revealed an Ecuadorian community that values prolonged EBF culturally.