[Infants feeding practice in first six month in Tuzla canton].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the infants feeding practice in first six months in Tuzla canton.


METHODS
Observations of feeding practices in first six months of infants life, born in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Tuzla in period May-September 2004 who weighted more than 2500 gm and over 37 weeks gestation age. Dates were collected by standardized questionnaire mailed to 493 mothers from 13 regions in Tuzla canton. With questionnaire we mailed the explanatory letter with investigations detail.


RESULTS
Exclusive breast feeding at first 3 month was very high reaching from 74.4% in 1 month, 62.3% in 2 month and 50.9% in 3 month of life. After third month exclusive breast feeding was decreasing and reached 12% at sixth month. Predominant breast feeding was reaching from 13.2% at first month, 27.6% at fourth month and 20.7% at sixth month. Breast feeding and complementary feeding before six month was very low, 1% in first month reaching 47.7% in sixth month. Bottle feeding rate was 11.4% in first month and 20% in sixth month of infant life.


CONCLUSIONS
Infants feeding practice in first 6 months was inadequate according to WHO recommendation, exclusive breast feeding for first six months. Breast feeding initiation rate was high but lack of mothers support after discharge and many barriers discourage exclusive breast feeding of infants in first six months in Tuzla canton.
Softić
Izeta
I
Klinika za djecije bolesti, Univerzitetski klinicki centar Tuzla, Bosna i Hercegovina.
Atić
Nedima
N
Tahirović
Husref
H
D017522:Bosnia and Herzegovina; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn