Duration of Breastfeeding as Predictor of Anthropometric Indices of Weight and Height of 0–24 Months Children in Delta State

Breastfeeding as a natural process of life, continues to generate debate on the benefit of body mass index (BMI), as duration of breastfeeding always attract issues in breast feeding campaigns. Hence there is the need to assess the duration of breast feeding in relation to BMI. The study was cross-sectional using registered health care centres. The recall method was used to determined mother’s duration of breast feeding. Children were weighed using children weighing scale (Docbel Industries, India). It was graduated in metric measurement, while the heights were obtained using a self-made stadiometer to the nearest 0.1cm. BMI was calculated using the formula BMI = wt/ht (m)1 16 ± 3.45. While fed for 0-6 months children as 15 ± 4.10, children fed for 0-18 months was -837 ± 3.31. It was recommended that duration of breastfeeding is not a significant variable in BMI in children but efforts could be directed at exclusive breastfeeding and weaning method.