Study of breastfeeding performance index among infants less than 6 months age and its impaction on the infant morbidity in Cairo governorate, Egypt

Background: Malnutrition typically affects infants under 6 months of age worldwide. A higher breastfeeding performance index (BPI) score reflects greater breastfeeding benefits. Aim and objectives:to assess the breastfeeding practices using the breastfeeding performance index (BPI) in infants less than 6 months age and to identify factors associated with poor breastfeeding performance. Subjects and methods: This is a cross sectional study that included 200 mothers and infant ≤ 6 months old, they were selected from Al- Zahraa University Hospital during the period from April to September 2023. Data was collected about the socio-demographic features, obstetric history and full feeding practices and medical history of infants and the seven components of the BPI. It was treated to identify the factors associated with poor breast-feeding Results:According to the breastfeeding performance index (BPI) score, nearly half (49.0%) of the infants were in the medium category and (26.5%) had lower scores, only (24.5%) had optimal breastfeeding practice (high BPI category). The overall poor (low/medium) BPI score was (75.5%), the mean score of the BPI was found 4.3 (±1.4). About (24%) of the studied infants suffering from fever, (46%) suffering from cough with difficult or short rapid breathing and (13.5%) suffering from Diarrhea in the last two weeks. Conclusions: The Breastfeeding Performance Index (BPI) can be used to determine the relationship between breastfeeding and infant morbidity outcomes, in addition to being a useful tool for identifying susceptible populations that may benefit from programs promoting breastfeeding