PD927 - THE EFFECT OF BREASTFEEDING DURATION AND THE TIMING OF COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING INITIATION ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN AGED 0-4 YEARS

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PD927

THE EFFECT OF BREASTFEEDING DURATION AND THE TIMING OF COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING INITIATION ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN AGED 0-4 YEARS

Y. T. ÖĞÜNÇ1,*, Z. KAYA1, D. ŞAHİN1, F. ÖZBEY1

1Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye

 

Rationale: Breast milk is a natural food with high bioavailability and easy digestibility, providing all the fluids, energy, and nutrients necessary for a newborn's physical, psychological, and mental development while reducing morbidity and mortality. It has been reported that there is a strong correlation between breast milk and the growth and development process of children. This study evaluates growth parameters in children aged 0-4 years and the impact of breastfeeding duration and timing of complementary feeding on their development.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted between February and July 2023, data on mothers and their children were collected through a four-part online questionnaire (Google Forms). Children’s growth status was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) percentiles as a reference. 

Results: The study included 57 mothers of children aged 6 months to 4 years (30.3±12.1 months). Most children (54.4%) received breast milk for 6–24 months, with a mean complementary feeding start at 5.6±1.4 months. While over half (54.4%) fell within the ideal 10th-90th percentile range, stunting and underweight rates were only 1.8%. Breastfeeding duration significantly affected height (p=0.024) but had no significant impact on body weight (p=0.157).

Conclusion: The results indicated that breast milk is a critical factor in supporting linear growth, especially in early childhood, whereas body weight may be more influenced by environmental and nutritional factors beyond breastfeeding duration. In conclusion, encouraging adherence to the World Health Organization’s recommended breastfeeding durations is crucial for maintaining healthy growth trajectories in children.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared