Abstract
Background. Acute gastroenteritis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and hospitalization among children under five years of age, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Infant feeding practices, especially breastfeeding, may influence the severity and clinical outcomes of acute gastroenteritis. This study aimed to investigate feeding patterns, growth status, and their association with clinical characteristics among children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis.
Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 children aged 1 month to 5 years hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis at Mardani Azari Children's Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, from April 2023 to April 2024. The collected data included demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, feeding history, parental educational status, and clinical features. Growth status was assessed according to WHO standards. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results. The mean age of participants was 16.1±12.9 months, and 60.7% of participants were boys. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months was reported in only 5.4% of children. Underweight, stunting, and head circumference below the 5th percentile were observed in 18.7%, 16.0%, and 9.7%, respectively. Breastfed children had a significantly shorter hospital stay than formula-fed children (2.1±0.8 vs. 3.2±1.6 days, P=0.034) and experienced less severe dehydration (P=0.014). Maternal educational level was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.018). History of previous gastroenteritis was more common in the formula-fed group (P=0.001). In the 19–24-month age group, breastfed children were significantly taller (P=0.032).
Conclusion. Breastfeeding was associated with less severe dehydration and shorter hospitalization among children admitted with acute gastroenteritis. The low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and the considerable frequency of growth impairment emphasize the importance of strengthening breastfeeding promotion, parental education, and nutritional surveillance. Due to the cross-sectional design of this study, causal inferences cannot be established. Prospective multicenter studies are recommended.
Practical Implications. Health policymakers are recommended to design targeted educational programs for pregnant and lactating mothers, strengthen support for exclusive breastfeeding, and prioritize baby-friendly hospital initiatives. The effectiveness of these interventions should be evaluated in future prospective studies.