MCH Student:

Ronke Gbadebo

Date of Defense:

October 24, 2013

Abstract:

Objectives:  We propose to describe breastfeeding and health outcomes among US citizen infants of Africa-born immigrant seen in the Children’s HealthWatch study, Minneapolis study center between 1998 and 2012. We also examined if health outcomes differ by breastfeeding status of children while adjusting for possible confounders of the association.

Methods:  Descriptive analysis of the population by breastfeeding status using χ^2 and /t-test /was conducted. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were used to determine significant differences in outcomes by breastfeeding status. Logistic regression was done to examine association between breastfeeding and outcomes.

Results:  We found significant difference in health status of breastfed infants compared to non-breastfed infants. Compared to the infants that were not breastfed, the odds ratio of excellent/good health status was 3.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08, 8.65). After controlling for term delivery as a potential confounder, the difference remained significant (Adjusted odds ratio = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.08, 11.37). There was no significant difference for previous history of hospitalization and growth pattern.

Conclusion:  Breastfed US citizen infants of Africa-born immigrant women were more likely to be reported in excellent or good health than non-breastfed infants after controlling for term delivery. There was no significant difference in rates of previous hospitalization and growth pattern among the two groups. Women from East African countries appeared to have a greater rate of breastfeeding than women from other countries in Africa. However, there was no significant interaction between breastfeeding and mother being from East Africa in the model for breastfeeding and outcomes.**