Survival Analysis of Duration of Exclusive Breast Feeding Using Life Table and Hazard Function

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding and complementary feeding are crucial for growth and development of an infant. Non-exclusive breastfeeding among 0-5 month old infants can increase the risk of dying due to diarrhea and pneumonia. In developing countries, the age of starting of complementary feeding is of public health importance. Higher prevalence of malnutrition among older children (6-12 months) may be related to prolong exclusive breast-feeding. Objective: To determine the duration of exclusive breast feeding using survival analysis (Life table) and Hazard function. Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Government Medical College, Latur (Maharashtra, India) during 1st May 2013 to 30th June 2013. The study population consisted of 197 mother-infant pairs attending the Immunization Clinic. Data was collected by direct interview using predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Informed consent was taken from all the study subjects. The data was analyzed using survival analysis procedure with life table approach and Hazard function graph with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20. Results: Out of the 197 infants 101(51.27%) were males and 96 (48.73%) were females. The mean age of mothers was 24.17 ± 3.60 years. Majority of the parents had at least secondary school education. Exclusive breast feeding rate at 6 months was 100 %. Delayed weaning practices were seen in 53.63% of total weaned infants. Steep fall seen at 7 months in Hazard function graph also indicates delayed weaning practices. Conclusions: Delayed weaning practices are a major concern in the study area which needs attention.

Keywords

• Delayed Weaning
• Exclusive Breastfeeding
• Hazard Function
• Life Table
• Median Duration
• Survival Analysis