Exclusive breastfeeding: Impact on infant health

Abstract

Summary: Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with numerous health benefits for infants. However, there are still significant barriers to EBF in many regions, particularly in low-resource settings where cultural and socioeconomic factors may impact breastfeeding practices. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the impact of EBF on infant health outcomes. Methods: A non-random sample of 150 mothers and their infants was selected for this study, with infants ranging in age from birth to one year old. The study was conducted from December 2021 to December 2022. The data were collected through interviews and clinical examinations of infants. Results: Our findings suggest that EBF has a significant positive impact on infant health outcomes. Infants who were exclusively breastfed had a lower incidence of illnesses such as diarrhea, otitis media, urinary tract infections, allergic diseases, pneumonia, and protein energy malnutrition compared with non-EBF infants. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of anemia, fever, or hospitalizations between the two groups. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that EBF has a significant positive impact on infant health outcomes in Shendi City, Sudan. Efforts should be made to promote and support EBF practices, particularly through mass media outlets such as television and radio. Additionally, public and social agencies should be established to support maternal and infant healthcare. These interventions could help improve the health outcomes of infants in low-resource settings.

Keywords

• Exclusive breastfeeding
• Infant health
• Cultural barriers
• Socioeconomic factors
• Sudan