Impact of breastfeeding on the intelligence quotient of the children of Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Shahrukh Khan; Syeda Nayab Fatima; Muhammad Arslan Munir; Fizza Yousaf; Wajeeha Kaynat; Maha Ishfaq; Maida Khadim; Tayyab Mumtaz Khan; Junaid Abid; Jehanzeb Akram

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20232028

Authors

Shahrukh Khan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Syeda Nayab Fatima Nestle Pakistan Ltd, Pakistan
Muhammad Arslan Munir Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Fizza Yousaf Imran Idrees Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sialkot, Pakistan
Wajeeha Kaynat University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Pakistan
Maha Ishfaq University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Maida Khadim University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Tayyab Mumtaz Khan Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Junaid Abid Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Haripur, Pakistan
Jehanzeb Akram Punjab Rangers Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20232028

Keywords:

Breastfeeding, Children, Impact, Intelligence quotient, Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding impacts the children physical and mental growth and development. The impact of breastfeeding on intelligence quotient (IQ) of children is under-researched in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the impact of breastfeeding on the intelligence quotient among children of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional was performed among 88 children of the Rawalpindi. Patients’ enrolment in the study was done via non-probability convenient sampling and developed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ethical approval and informed consent were taken. Intelligence quotient was calculated through Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC). Data analysis was done via descriptive and inferential statistics by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Chi square test was used to assess the variables association. P value less than 0.05 was set as statistically significant.

Results: The overall mean score on WISC of intelligence quotient was 106 with SD of ±39, whereas, mean score of intelligence quotient for breastfed children was 112 with SD of ±32 and mean score of intelligence for children who were on formula milk was 100 with SD of ±36. The association between the type of milk and intelligence quotient (p=0.003) and association between duration of breastfeeding and intelligence quotient (p=0.04) was statistically significant.

Conclusions: Children who had been on breastfeeding had better IQ. Furthermore, children who were breastfed for longer duration had even better IQ than children who were on breastfeeding for shorter duration.

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