Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Formula Milk Consumption in Infants Aged under 6 Months in two Peri-urban Settings of Karachi Pakistan
1
Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1388
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Breastfeeding is a foundation of child survival, health, and development. Optimal breastfeeding in the first year of life can prevent up to 13% of under-five deaths, greater benefits to developing countries where infectious diseases and malnutrition are leading causes of child mortality. In Pakistan, Inadequate breastfeeding practices remain widespread, yet limited evidence exists on the determinants of formula feeding. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of formula milk initiation among infants under six months of age.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 in two peri-urban sites of Karachi. A stratified random sample of 600 infants aged 0–180 days was selected, equally distributed across six age strata. Data was collected by structured questionnaire adapted from WHO and DHS survey tools. Prevalence estimates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and generalized linear models (GLM), were used to assess associations. Variables with p<0.25 in univariate analysis were entered into multivariate models to identify independent predictors of formula feeding.
RESULTS:
Of 600 infants, 39% (95% CI: 35–43) had ever received formula milk, while 26% (95% CI: 22–30) had consumed it in prior 24 hours, and 26% (95% CI: 22–31) in the past seven days. Formula was initiated (81%) in a median age of less than one month. Formula use was significantly associated with maternal age (<25 years) (OR 1.76 95% CI 1.41, 2.19), education (OR 0.89 95% CI 0.67,0.81) , cesarean delivery (OR 0.5 95% CI 0.4, 0.6), and low birth weight (OR 0.95 95% CI 0.94, 0.96).
CONCLUSIONS:
Formula feeding is common and begins early, undermining exclusive breastfeeding targets. Strengthening postnatal breastfeeding support, especially for cesarean-delivered mothers, along with enforcing regulation of formula marketing, is essential to improve infant feeding practices and reduce preventable morbidity.
Breastfeeding is a foundation of child survival, health, and development. Optimal breastfeeding in the first year of life can prevent up to 13% of under-five deaths, greater benefits to developing countries where infectious diseases and malnutrition are leading causes of child mortality. In Pakistan, Inadequate breastfeeding practices remain widespread, yet limited evidence exists on the determinants of formula feeding. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of formula milk initiation among infants under six months of age.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 in two peri-urban sites of Karachi. A stratified random sample of 600 infants aged 0–180 days was selected, equally distributed across six age strata. Data was collected by structured questionnaire adapted from WHO and DHS survey tools. Prevalence estimates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and generalized linear models (GLM), were used to assess associations. Variables with p<0.25 in univariate analysis were entered into multivariate models to identify independent predictors of formula feeding.
RESULTS:
Of 600 infants, 39% (95% CI: 35–43) had ever received formula milk, while 26% (95% CI: 22–30) had consumed it in prior 24 hours, and 26% (95% CI: 22–31) in the past seven days. Formula was initiated (81%) in a median age of less than one month. Formula use was significantly associated with maternal age (<25 years) (OR 1.76 95% CI 1.41, 2.19), education (OR 0.89 95% CI 0.67,0.81) , cesarean delivery (OR 0.5 95% CI 0.4, 0.6), and low birth weight (OR 0.95 95% CI 0.94, 0.96).
CONCLUSIONS:
Formula feeding is common and begins early, undermining exclusive breastfeeding targets. Strengthening postnatal breastfeeding support, especially for cesarean-delivered mothers, along with enforcing regulation of formula marketing, is essential to improve infant feeding practices and reduce preventable morbidity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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