Morbidity Differences Between Breastfed and Formula Fed Children, a Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study

Background: Human milk is the preferred feed for children. Some mothers, however, supplement their breast milk with formula because they are unable to satisfy the requirements for various reasons. Exclusive breastfeeding is thought to protect against infant morbidity, according to some of the studies. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Pakistan is 53.6 %. Hence, the study is designed to determine the difference in morbidity among breastfed and formula-fed children in Pakistan. Objectives: To compare the morbidity differences between breastfed and formula-fed children. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional was conducted in Paediatric Ward of public hospital of Lahore. Children up to five years of age, both genders males and females, presenting with signs and symptoms highly suggestive of sepsis, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, or with a history of prolonged hospital stay were included in research. Data were analysed by using SPSS version. A chi-square test was applied. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 96 participants, 41(42.7%) were exclusively breastfed while 55(57.3%) were formula fed.17(41.5%) of breastfed children while 35(70%) of formula fed children had respiratory tract infections. 22(55%) of breastfed children while 42(76.6%) of formula fed children were having sepsis. 10(27.8%) of breastfed children while 27(49%) of formula fed children required ICU care during their stay at hospital. Among breastfed 10(24.4%) while among formula fed 12(21.8%) were having necrotizing enterocolitis. Among breast fed 36(87.8%) while among formula fed 50(90.9%) required hospitalization during treatment. Conclusion: Breastfed children experienced lower rates of respiratory infections and incidence of sepsis as compared to their formula-fed counterparts. Though the association between feeding method and necrotizing enterocolitis was not statistically significant. However, the results underscore the potential benefits of breastfeeding in preventing severe infections and reducing hospital care requirements.