OBJECTIVES: We studied reasons for cessation of breastfeeding before the age of 15 months, replacement feeding modes, and child mortality in West Africa. METHODS: Data were gathered for 12208 children born between 1987 and 1997 in a rural area of Senegal. Interviews were conducted with caregivers of early-weaned children, and child mortality risks were assessed. RESULTS: Fewer than 1% of children had been weaned early. The main reasons for early weaning were maternal death and new pregnancy (in 41% and 27% of cases, respectively). Twenty percent of children had been relactated by a wet nurse, and 16% had received formula. Many early-weaned children died before the age of 2 years (26%), particularly those weaned early as a result of the mother's death (hazard ratio = 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.74, 15.0). Girls had a lower hazard ratio than boys (0.16; 95% CI=0.05, 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that early cessation of breastfeeding was rare but that associated mortality was high, especially when the mother had died.
OBJECTIVES: We studied reasons for cessation of breastfeeding before the age of 15 months, replacement feeding modes, and child mortality in West Africa. METHODS: Data were gathered for 12208 children born between 1987 and 1997 in a rural area of Senegal. Interviews were conducted with caregivers of early-weaned children, and child mortality risks were assessed. RESULTS: Fewer than 1% of children had been weaned early. The main reasons for early weaning were maternal death and new pregnancy (in 41% and 27% of cases, respectively). Twenty percent of children had been relactated by a wet nurse, and 16% had received formula. Many early-weaned children died before the age of 2 years (26%), particularly those weaned early as a result of the mother's death (hazard ratio = 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.74, 15.0). Girls had a lower hazard ratio than boys (0.16; 95% CI=0.05, 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that early cessation of breastfeeding was rare but that associated mortality was high, especially when the mother had died.
Authors: Jessica S Nakiyingi; Michael Bracher; James A Whitworth; Anthony Ruberantwari; June Busingye; Sam M Mbulaiteye; Basia Zaba Journal: AIDS Date: 2003-08-15 Impact factor: 4.177
Authors: Emmanuel Arinaitwe; Anne Gasasira; Wendy Verret; Jaco Homsy; Humphrey Wanzira; Abel Kakuru; Taylor G Sandison; Sera Young; Jordan W Tappero; Moses R Kamya; Grant Dorsey Journal: Malar J Date: 2012-03-27 Impact factor: 2.979