Relationship between feeding type and nutritional status in infants under 6 months in Salta and Jujuy, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: breastfeeding is considered the ideal form of infant feeding due to its significant impact on health and nutrition. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of infants under 6 months of age according to their type of feeding, as well as maternal and child characteristics.

Material and methods: a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study was conducted. A structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions and clinical record review was applied to a sample of 276 mother-infant pairs from the cities of Salta and Jujuy, between 2017 and 2022. Nutritional status was analyzed in relation to infant feeding type using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test (confidence level: 95%).

Results: exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was reported in 57% of cases, partial breastfeeding (PB) in 38%, and formula feeding (FF) in 5%. Over 40% of mothers were unable to initiate breastfeeding, and a higher proportion of PB and FF was observed at older infant ages. A greater proportion of PB (64%) and FF (7%) was found at the time of the survey among infants who received a breast milk substitute as their first food after birth (p<0.05). The Z-score distribution in FF-fed infants was asymmetrical, with a higher tendency toward values near or below -2. Infants receiving EBF showed a symmetrical distribution, with the majority having nutritional status close to the mean. These differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusions: EBF predominated among the studied mother-infant pairs; however, its prevalence decreased with increasing infant and maternal age. The type of first food introduced was a relevant factor in the establishment of EBF. Nutritional status was not significantly affected by feeding type at the time of the survey.