전화추적조사를 통한 영아의 수유방법과 건강문제 발생빈도와의 관계 연구

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between infant feeding practice and frequencies of infant health problems in the first 4 months of life, using a prospective, self-report design. Infant feeding practice was classified as exclusively breast-fed(n=25), exclusively formula-fed(n=30), and mixed-fed(n=17). Mothers were interviewed by telephone bi-weekly for 16 weeks during the period between September 28th. 1998 and March 30th, 1999. The data suggested that there was no substantial protective effect of breast-feeding against occurrence of health problems early in life in a largely middle class urban population. However, the frequency of health problem was highest in the formula-fed group and lowest in the breast-fed group at 1, through 4 months of age. Most frequently reported health problems were colds and rashes. The frequency of health care utilization also appeared to be different among three feeding groups. For example, mothers who breast-fed visited physician's office less frequently than mothers of the formula-fed infants at 1 through 4 months. Based on this small sample study, we felt it is necessary to extend a longer period of observation and a large population study to detect the protective effect of breastfeeding against health problems.