Breastfeeding and infant health outcomes at 9 months of age in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional randomised trial

Background

There are limited studies about optimal duration and benefits of breastfeeding—and in particular, exclusive breastfeeding—on infant health and growth in the occupied Palestinian territory. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exclusive breastfeeding on the health of infants in the Gaza Strip (at age 9 months), in terms of anthropometric measurements, growth, and morbidity.

Methods

This study targeted mothers with infants attending primary health centres for vaccination at 9 months of age. Eight primary health centres were randomly selected from United Nation for Relief and Work Agency and Ministry of Health primary health centres in four regions of the Gaza Strip. Of 343 mother–infant pairs, in the first 6 months of life 251 infants received mixed feeding and 92 were exclusively breastfed.

Findings

There were significant differences between the head circumferences of infants who were exclusively breastfed and those who received mixed feeding (44·1 cm [SD 1·39] and 43·7 cm [SD 1·15], respectively; p=0·007). There were no significant differences in the length and weight of infants between the two groups. Infants who were exclusively breastfed had a significantly lower frequency of gastrointestinal infections than infants who received mixed feeding (48% and 80%, respectively; p=0·001), as well as greater protection against respiratory tract infection (47% and 83%, respectively; p=0·001), lower incidence of otitis media (18% and 38%, respectively), and a significantly lower risk of urinary tract infection (5% and 65% respectively; p=0·001).

Interpretation

Human milk is unique, and breastfeeding is the healthiest practice for healthy term infants for approximately the first 6 months after birth, providing ideal nutrition and supporting optimal growth and development. It also provides reasonable protection against infectious diseases. Thus, breastfeeding is the reference model against which all alternative feeding methods must be measured, with respect to growth, and short-term and long-term health outcomes. Infants should be introduced to nutrient-rich, solid foods (with particular attention to iron) at 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years. Every effort should be made to maintain breastfeeding rather than using formula or other milk substitute.

Funding

None.