Bottle feeding in children under two years of age in Multan; a hospital based study

ABSTRACT

To explore the factors responsible for bottle-feeding practice among mothers of children less than two years of age in Multan region. An observational cross-sectional study. The patients who were admitted in Pediatric ward and/or attending OPD at Children Hospital and The Institute of Child Health Multan from 1 January 2010 to 26 June, 2010. 450 mothers, feeding their children with bottle, were interviewed about their infant feeding practices. A predesigned questioner was used to get detailed information. Bottle feeding was more prevalent in illiterate 98 [48%] and poor education class mothers, lower social class women 109 [45%], Multigravida 159 [54%] and in the mothers between 26 to 30year of age 78 [61%]. More common causes of bottle feeding were complaint of insufficient milk by mothers 89 [41%] and early baby illnesses 42 [39.2%]. In my study major determinants of bottle feeding are related to poverty and lack of education about breast feeding and proper weaning practices