Effect Of Feeding Patterns On Growth And Nutritional Status Of Children Aged 0-24 Months: A Chinese Cohort Study

ObjectiveThis study was aimed to examine the effect of feeding patterns on growth and nutritional status of children aged 0 similar to 24 months.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study with an initial sample of 927 children. Considering the follow-up losses, 903, 897, 895, 897, 883, 827 and 750 children were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively. Children were grouped according to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration in the first 6 months: (1) never EBF; (2) EBF <= 3 months: EBF <= 3 months and stopped BF after 3 months or EBF <= 3 months and BF = 6 months or EBF <= 3 months and BF after 3 months, had formula and/or solids; (3) EBF for 3 similar to 6 months: BF < 3 months and EBF for 3 similar to 6 months or EBF for 3 similar to 6 months and BF < 3 months, had formula and/or solids; (4) EBF = 6 months. We used Z-scores to evaluate the growth and nutritional status of children, used the generalized estimation equation to compare the difference between feeding patterns.ResultsThe generalized estimation equation results showed that Weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), Length-for-age Z-score (LAZ), and Weight-for-length Z-score (WLZ) in different feeding patterns had statistical significance. The WAZ in EBF for 6 months group was higher in the first 8 months, in never EBF group was higher after 12 months old; the LAZ in EBF for 6 month group was lower than other groups; the WLZ in EBF for 6 months group was higher than EBF for 3 similar to 6 months group. The EBF <= 3 months group had higher underweight, stunting, and wasting rates. The EBF for 6 months had a higher stunting rate; the never EBF and EBF for 6 months groups had higher overweight and obesity rates.ConclusionsIn conclusion, different feeding patterns affect growth and nutritional status in children, so proper guidelines should be implemented to improve nutritional status and promote the growth of children.