Risk Factors Of Overweight And Developmental Level In Fully Breastfed Infants

Objective To explore the risk factors of overweight and developmental status in fully breastfed infants aged 3-4 months in order to provide theoretical evidence for early intervention of childhood obesity.Methods The study subjects included 342 infants aged 3-4 months chosen from The affiliated hospital of medical college, Qingdao University and The women and children health institute in the Shibei District of Qingdao City from July to October in 2009, among which males were 184(53.8%)and females were 158(46.2%).The ratio of male to female was 1.16:1. The infants's general conditions and possible relevant risk factors for overweight were investigated by self-made questionnaires filled in by their caregivers. Physical statement was measured and Bayley scales were conducted to measure infants's developmental level. The subjects of study were divided into fully breastfed(162) and non-fully breastfed group(178) according to different feeding methods. Case-control study was conducted to study the risk factors of overweight and developmental level in fully breastfed infants.Results①The prevalence rate of overweight in infants:The prevalence rate of overweight in infants aged 3-4 months was 17.5%, male 16.3% and female19.0%, respectively. There were no statistical differences between them (χ2= 0.423,P= 0.515).The prevalence rate of overweight in fully breastfed infants was 22.2% and that of non-fully breastfed infants was 13.5%, with statistically differences between them (χ2= 4.457,P=0.035). The prevalence rate of overweight in fully breastfed male infants was higher than that of non-fully breastfed male infants (χ2=6.108,P=0.013) while there were no significant differences in female infants.②The developmental level of infants aged 3-4 months:The scores of psychomotor development index of overweight infants (104.29±6.486)were lower than that of infants with normal BM(108.96±8.133)in fully breastfed group, and the scores of psychomotor development index of overweight infants (106.60±3.373) in non-fully breastfed group were also lower than that of infants with normal BMI (108.46±6.299). There were both significant differences between them (P <0.01).The specific passing situation of overweight infants was different between different feeding methods. The passing rate of"touch hands for play","close to the swing loop"and"catch the square timber with ulnar side of hand"was higher in fully breastfed infants (P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.05) and passing rate of"open hands"was higher in non-fully breastfed infants (P<0.01).③Risk factors of overweight in fully breastfed infants:Logistic regression analysis indicated that fathers with higher education level, vaginal delivery, longer time of feeding each time, shorter feeding intervals and more frequent feeding during night were associated with overweight in fully breastfed infants aged 3-4 months.Conclusions The prevalence rate of overweight in infants aged 3-4 months is high. The developmental level of overweight infants is different from that of physical normal infants. Fathers with higher education level, vaginal delivery, longer time of feeding each time, shorter feeding intervals and more frequent feeding during night are associated with overweight in fully breastfed infants aged 3-4 months. The prevention of childhood overweight should start from early childhood.