Impact of Improper Breastfeeding Postures on Acute Otitis Media among Children Attending the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of a Tertiary Health Facility in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most frequent diagnosis among children. There has been controversies on the effect of breastfeeding postures on the incidence of AOM. This study looked into this relationship in our locality with an attempt at providing a primordial level of intervention and prevention of AOM among under 2 children.

Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of children at 2 years and below who presented with features of AOM. Diagnosis was based on detailed history and examination findings. Investigator-structured proforma was used to obtain data which was entered into SPSS and analyzed using Fisher’s exact test with significance level of p <0.05.

Results: The findings revealed an age range of 27 days to 2 years old. The highest incidence of AOM was among infants with age ranging between 7-12 months. About 73% of mothers with no or informal education were full time house wives and 84% habitually breast fed in lying position. There was a statistically significant relationship between maternal occupation and breastfeeding in wrong postures as well as between awareness of proper posture during ANC attendance and breastfeeding lying down.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The high rate of breast feeding in wrong position is still raising concerns owing to the level of assimilation and effective application of the information received during antenatal clinic. Adaptation of a proper breastfeeding position remains an important factor to be considered in the prevention of AOM. Therefore, every woman in child bearing age should be well-informed.