* Regarding the level of education, Grade 12 is equivalent to 12 years of schooling;Grade 7 is equivalent to 7 years of schooling.The main aim of the study was therefore to identify the factors that influence high socio-economic class mothers' decisions regarding infant-feeding practices. The objectives were to identify the reasons why high socio-economic class women in the Cape Metropole decide not to breast-feed; to evaluate whether the type and volume of infant AbstractThe aims of the study were to identify the reasons why high socio-economic class women in the Cape Metropole decide not to breast-feed; to evaluate whether the type and volume of infant formula selected by the mother was appropriate for her infant's current age and to identify the factors that influence the decision-making process when deciding which infant formula to feed her infant.An observational descriptive study with consecutive sampling was utilised. Data of 55 mothers with infants aged 0 to 6 months that were not currently breast-fed was captured in day care centres and private clinics situated in the Cape Metropole. Data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire available in Afrikaans and English.The majority of mothers (80%) decided only after the birth of their infant to rather opt for formula feeding. Evident factors that were identified as barriers to breast-feeding include a lack of knowledge and experience (38%) as well as a lack of facilities at public places (75%) and at work (71%) to breast-feed. Perceived benefits of infant formula included that the father could help with the workload (67%) and does not feel left out (38%), the mother knows what volume of milk is received (84%) and the convenience if the mother is working (64%). The mothers were overall not concerned about possible side-effects of breast-feeding and did not feel that their breasts were physically not of optimal physiology to breast-feed.One of the greatest challenges to support, protect and promote breast-feeding is to ensure that information sources give scientifically correct information to the uninformed or information-seeking mother in a standardised and positive manner.
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a multifactorial disease, causing inflammation of the bowel. The exact root of NEC is still unknown, but a low weight and gestational age at birth are known causes. Furthermore, antibiotic use and abnormal bacterial colonization of the premature gut are possible causes. Premature neonates often experience feeding intolerances that disrupts the nutritional intake, leading to poor growth and neurodevelopmental impairment. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic formulation (LabinicTM) on the incidence and severity of NEC and feeding intolerances in preterm neonates. Results: There were five neonates in the placebo group who developed NEC (Stage 1A–3B), compared to no neonates in the probiotic group. Further, the use of probiotics showed a statistically significant reduction in the development of feeding intolerances, p < 0.001. Conclusion: A multi-strain probiotic is a safe and cost-effective way of preventing NEC and feeding intolerances in premature neonates.
BackgroundInfections caused by drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria (DR-GNB) are a major health concern for hospitalized preterm neonates, globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on the incidence of rectal colonization with DR-GNB in preterm neonates.MethodsA double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted including 200 neonates, randomly allocated to a multi-strain probiotic (n = 100) or placebo (n = 100).ResultsFifteen percent of the neonates showed peri-rectal colonization with DR-GNB on the day of enrolment indicating probable maternal-to-neonate (vertical) bacterial transmission or environmental acquisition at time of delivery, with no difference between groups. Acquisition of further DR-GNB colonization was rapid, with an increase from 15% on the day enrolment to 77% by day 7 and 83% by day 14 of life. By day 7 (corresponding to early gut colonization), neonates in the probiotic group were 57% less likely to have peri-rectal DR-GNB colonization [OR: 0.43 (0.20–0.95); p = 0.04] and by day 14 (corresponding to late gut colonization), neonates in the probiotic group were 93% less likely to have peri-rectal DR-GNB colonization [OR: 0.07 (0.02–0.23); p < 0.001].ConclusionHospitalized neonates showed substantial peri-rectal colonization with DR-GNB at enrolment and further rapid acquisition of DR-GNB in the first 2 weeks of life. The use of a multi-strain probiotic was effective in reducing early and late neonatal gut colonization with DR-GNB.Clinical Trial RegistrationThe trial was registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202011513390736).
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