Abstract

Author(s): Lacerdas, Doriane da Conceição1; Palmeira dos Santos, Tatiana Maria2; Oliveira Santos, Damares2; Santos Oliveira, Edivania2; Souza dos Santos, Joana2

Introduction: Natural breastfeeding is an ally in reducing infant mortality rates, reducing the likelihood of allergic and gastrointestinal processes in the first months of the baby’s life. Inadequate introduction of food after weaning can trigger obesity in the first year of life.

Objective: To evaluate feeding practices and Nutritional State of hospitalized children at a public hospital pediatric ward in the Northeast of Brazil.

Methods: A transversal and descriptive study was conducted in which 69 hospitalized children of both sex at the pediatric ward of a public hospital in the Northeast of Brazil. The data was gathered from the Nutrition Department Protocols (weight, height, clinical diagnose, comorbities). The feeding practice information was collected through dietetic history at the moment of admission.

Results: At the present study, 55,1% were male children and 44,9% were female children. We observed an important amount of weaning (20,3%) and a reduced prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding (11,6%). As to children’s nutritional state, 35 children were eutrophic, but still it is relevant to point out that there is a considerable number of overweight children (18,63%).

Conclusion: An insufficient breast-feeding practice was observed, especially among children under six months, which should have been a priority. Besides, the amount of overweight children increases as breast-feeding offer decreases, which shows that breast-feeding could have a protective effect on preventing increase of weight.