Bottle Feeding in Children under Two Years of Age in Multan; A hospital based study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the factors responsible for bottle-feeding practice among mothers of children less than two 
years of age in Multan region. 
Design: An observational cross-sectional study.  
Duration & Setting: The patients who were admitted in Pediatric ward and/or attending OPD at Children Hospital 
and The Institute of Child Health Multan from 1 January 2010 to 26 June, 2010 
Materials and Methods: 450 mothers, feeding their children with bottle, were interviewed about their infant 
feeding practices.  A predesigned questioner was used to get detailed information. 
Results: Bottle feeding was more prevalent in illiterate 98(48%) and poor education class mothers, lower social 
class women 109(45%), Multigravida 159(54%) and in the mothers between 26 to 30year of age 78(61%). More 
common causes of bottle feeding were complaint of insufficient milk by mothers 89(41%) and early baby illnesses 
42(39.2%).  
Conclusion: In my study major determinants of bottle feeding are related to poverty and lack of education about 
breast feeding and proper weaning practices.