The Effect of the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquakes on the Sixth-Month Breastfeeding Rate of Infants: A Single-Centre Cohort Study

Background: We investigated the effect of earthquakes on the six-month breast milk intake rate in infants. Methods: In this single-centre prospective cohort study, 35 mother-baby dyads who were in the earthquake zone during the February 6, 2023, Turkey-Syria earthquakes were included as the study group, while 29 mother-baby dyads who were not in the earthquake zone were included as the control group. The physical, environmental, and social characteristics of the settlements after the earthquake, along with the nutritional characteristics of the infants, were evaluated through questionnaires during interviews and online assessments. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Form and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were administered to the mothers, and their scores were calculated. Results: No significant difference was found between the exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months in the study and control groups [18 (62.9%) vs. 22 (61.9%), n (%), P = 0.95]. The breastfeeding self-efficacy score was significantly higher in the study group [64 (33 - 70) vs. 54 (31 - 70), median (min-max), P = 0.02]. Although the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) score was higher in the control group [10 (0 - 21) vs. 7 (0 - 26), median (min-max)], this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In general, earthquakes do not affect breastfeeding rates in infants at six months. The continuation of breastfeeding, supported by increased resilience in difficult conditions, enhances breastfeeding self-efficacy and provides protection for the mother-baby dyad. Breastfeeding should be continued and supported during natural disasters.