Breastfeeding habits with regard to a different family history of atopic diseases and additional information about allergy-preventive nutrition

Background. For all infants exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first 4 to 6 months of life. This study analysed how this recommendation is followed in children differing with regard to family history of atopic diseases. Furthermore it was evaluated whether additional information about allergy-preventive nutrition or whether other factors, such as sociodemographic differences and smoking, influence breastfeeding habits. Methods. Data of children in the GINI-study, born between 01.01.1996 and 30.06.1998, were analysed. This study includes an intervention group and a control group, which differ in family history of atopic diseases and information about nutrition. The family history of atopic diseases and sociodemographic factors were recorded at enrollment. Breastfeeding and smoking patterns were evaluated after the first year of life. Results. Data of 4578 children were evaluated. 50,4% of the infants were exclucively breastfed in the first 4 months of life. Infants were significantly more likely to be breastfed if they were part of the intervention group (OR=1,24; KI=1,04-1,48), had mothers older than 30 years of age (OR=1,53; KI=1,29-1,81), had parents with higher education (OR=2,01; KI=1,56-2,59), and came from the region of Munich compared to Wesel (CR=1,4 Kl=1,18-1,67). Smoking of the mother had a strong negative influence on breastfeeding (OR=0,23; KI=0,17-0,3). No influence was found with respect to the family history of atopic diseases (OR=1,06; KI=0,89-1,26), citizenship, number of siblings and gender. Conclusions. Although breastfeeding is recommended in the prevention of atopy, it is not more often done in children with a family history of atopic diseases. The influence of nutritional councelling after birth was less than that of sociodemographic differences and smoking habits.