BREASTFEEDING AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION (ARI) IN INFANTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

Background: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) significantly contribute to infant morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where factors such as inadequate nutrition, poor environmental conditions, and partial immunization increase their incidence, while exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) offers immune protection that can reduce their incidence and severity. Therefore this review assessed the role of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, in reducing the risk and severity of ARIs in Nigerian infants, while also evaluating factors influencing breastfeeding practices.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, involving a comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online. Twelve studies conducted between 2004 and 2024 focusing on breastfeeding practices and their impact on ARIs in Nigerian infants aged 0-6 months were selected. The review focused on primary studies with observational and cohort designs.

Results: The review found that exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of ARIs in infants, with non-exclusively breastfed infants facing a fourfold increase in ARI risk. Breast milk contains immunologically active components like secretory IgA, lactoferrin, and lysozyme, which enhance immune defenses and reduce the severity of ARIs such as pneumonia. However, only 25-40% of infants in Nigeria are exclusively breastfed for six months due to cultural beliefs, maternal employment, lack of education etc.

Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding significantly protects Nigerian infants against ARIs, but cultural misconceptions, socioeconomic barriers, insufficient maternal education etc hinder optimal practices, necessitating targeted public health initiatives and policy interventions to improve infant health outcomes.