Comparison of Growth Index in Exclusive Breastfeeding and Infant Formula Feeding in Six-Month-Old Infants in East Azerbaijan Province

Breastfeeding in the first six months of life reduces mortality and childhood diseases. The aim of this study was to compare growth index in exclusive breastfeeding and infant formula feeding in six-month-old infants in East Azerbaijan province, northwest of Iran.
Material and This retrospective cohort study was conducted on a sample of 1088 infants in East Azerbaijan, Iran during 2007-2009. Information was collected through household health records and interviews. Measurement of growth indexes including weight and height was performed in health centers. Data analysis was performed using logistic regression and independent t-test using Stata11 software.
The exclusive breastfeeding group consisted of 944 cases and the infant formula group was 144. In this study, mothers with university education, employment, multiparty up to 3rd and twin infants, fed their children with infant formula, significantly. At the age of six months, the mean height and weight of exclusive breastfeeding newborns were higher than infant formula group but were not statistically significant.
At the age of six months, the mean height and weight of exclusive breastfeeding newborns were higher than infant formula group.