Determinants of acute diarrhea episodes in formula-fed infants, a case study.

Abstract

This article describes the research conducted in infants up to one year of age, fed with milk formulas, who were treated at the "Francisco de Icaza Bustamante" Hospital in the city of Guayaquil, and who presented acute episodes of diarrhea. The objective was to identify the factors responsible for the diarrhea episodes in the feeding of milk formulas, and to demonstrate that by correcting them, these factors decrease, improving the infant's health. From November 2007 to August 2008, a sample of 100 infants was selected according to the established inclusion criteria. The mothers of the infants were surveyed, after explanation of the purpose of the survey and requesting their informed consent. The results obtained were consistent with research by other authors such as Dewey & Col (1995), Van Derslise (1996), Bognolo (1998), Nacham Kin (1998) cited by Mota, F. (2000). A clear dependence was demonstrated between the non-application of hygienic measures - hand washing, sterilization of bottles, teats and other utensils - and the presence of diarrheal episodes. In addition, the home visits revealed that other negative factors were overcrowding, cohabitation with domestic animals and, to a lesser extent, early breastfeeding.