Breastfeeding and the incidence of childhood asthma

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is said to provide several benefits for children; including regulation of the child’s growth and development, protection of the immune system and it is also associated with reduction in the incidence of asthma (Dieterich, Felice, O’Sullivan & Rasmussen, 2013). In this dissertation, the effect of breastfeeding in reducing the incidence of asthma is going to be studied. A research question was generated with respect to this subject: Does exclusive breastfeeding reduce the incidence of childhood asthma? The Population, Exposure and Outcome (PEO) framework contained the following components: (P) Children; (E) Exclusive breastfeeding; and (O) Reduction in the incidence of asthma.

Methods: A combination of keywords relative to the subject were used to conduct a literature search using three different databases. To narrow down the search, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and limiters were used to facilitate the screening process. Appraisal tools where utilised for the critical appraisal of the eight chosen key studies.

Results: Eight key studies were chosen which where comprised of five cohort studies and three cross-sectional studies. All the studies showed a positive link among breastfeeding and asthma, since the lowest prevalence of asthma was found in the groups of children who were breastfed. However, not all of these results where statistically significant.

Conclusion: Due to the results not being statistically significant in all of the studies, a definite conclusion could not be made. However, results still show that breastfeeding is beneficial to the child. Moreover, additional research is required regarding this area to provide an evident answer to the PEO question.

Implications and recommendations: Additional research is required to determine a definite conclusion of the association between breastfeeding and the incidence of childhood asthma. Furthermore, additional education should be given to both the mothers and certain health care professionals involved in this area. Public places should also try to make the environment more baby friendly by having rooms especially made for breastfeeding mothers.