Association of Breast Feeding Practice with Worm Infestation in Children Aged 0-24 Months in Calabar South Local Government Area

Objective: Reduction in child morbidity and mortality require improved knowledge about hygiene, baby feeding and childrearing practices, especially by mothers in low resource nations. The objectives of the study were to compare the prevalence of worm infestation between exclusively and non-exclusively breast-fed children and to determine the age at which exclusively breast-fed children child could be significantly infested with worms. Method: Systematic sampling of 196 mother-infants pairs was done. A pretested interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Fresh stool samples collected from the children were examined using the cellophane thick faecal smear technique of Kato-Katz. Results: The difference in prevalence of worm infestation within 6 months of age was not significant between the exclusively and non-exclusively breast feed children. Age of significant worm infestation for exclusively breast -fed infants was 13 months. Mother's educational level significantly influenced their de-worming practices. Conclusion: This study showed that breast milk does protect children in the first year of life against worm infestation; but the burden of infestation becomes significant after 12 months of age. Mothers should be taught to de-worm their children from 13 months of age.