The Relationship between Breast Feeding and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) among a Sample of Primary School Children in Baghdad
The Relationship between Breast Feeding and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) among a Sample of Primary School Children in Baghdad
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: Over the last two decades, there has been an accumulation of evidence suggesting that breast feeding may lead to improvement in childhood cognitive ability or educational achievement.
Objective: To determine the intelligence level of Iraqi children, and study the relationship between breast feeding and child intelligence.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary schools of Baghdad from 19th of November 2005 to 15th of February 2006, using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children. A total number of 372 children (in equal sex proportions) were randomly selected from the second and third primary grades, with an age range of (7-9) years. The study was done in several areas in Baghdad-Al Karkh varying in their socio-economic status.
Results: The intelligence level of the sample has an average of (90-190), with mean (92.63 ±13.22). Breast fed (94.47 ± 12.72) versus bottle fed (81±10.2) t-test= 47.13, P-value= <0.0001 The normal distribution curve of intelligence is skewed to left. There was a significant difference between breast fed, artificial and mixed fed child regarding intelligence (F= 62.54, P 0.000001).
Conclusion: The intelligence level of the pupils is increased significantly with breast-feeding and the duration of breast-feeding has a significant difference in favor to longer duration groups.
Keywords: Intelligence, IQ, Breast feeding, Primary school, Baghdad.Â
Iraqi Medical Journal Vol. 55, No.1, December 2009; p.15-19
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