Determinants of high blood pressure in relation to early feeding practices among children under-five years of age in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Elevated blood pressure (EBP) in preschool children due to unhealthy early feeding practices can track into later years leading to hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objectives: To identify the determinants of high blood pressure in relation to early breastfeeding, commercial milk formula feeding (CMF) and marketed baby foods. Subjects and methods: 150 children aged 2-5 years were recruited by feeding practices and divided into three groups, (breastfeeding, no breastfeeding and mixed fed groups). All children were subjected to anthropometric measurements of weight, height and blood pressure (BP), which was interpreted using BP standards. Results: EBP both systolic and diastolic were inversely correlated with the early and intense breastfeeding. They were positively correlated with CMF feeding for longer duration and at shorter intervals, pacifier use, sugar or starch added to bottle feeds and high salt and sugar intake, fast foods, snacks of chips and Indomie. Lack of mother’s awareness of unhealthy food intake and poor tracking abilities of these practices were prevalent in the groups who consumed more frequent unhealthy foods. Conclusion: EBP is associated with not breastfeeding, CMF, pacifiers, weaning foods and unhealthy marketed foods. Promoting breastfeeding and maternal awareness on healthy feeding practices supported by strict regulations are needed to control and prevent HTN and CVD.