Multimorbidity and breastfeeding practices: findings from a population-based survey in Peru during 2024

Barriga-Rodriguez D.; Chaquila J.A. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/461jachaquila

Resumen

Objective: To examine the association between multimorbidity and breastfeeding practices among Peruvian women of reproductive age who participated in a national survey. Materials and Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the 2024 Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey. The exposure variable was multimorbidity, constructed from three possible non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs): obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. This variable included three categories: no condition, one condition, and two or more conditions. The outcomes were two breastfeeding practices: exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB), both categorized dichotomously. Potential confounders were also considered. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: A total of 8,163 women were eligible for the analysis. Overall, 65.3% did not practice EBF, and 45.3% had a delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Additionally, 42.1% had one NCD and 4.4% had two or more. A higher number of NCDs was associated with a lower prevalence of optimal breastfeeding practices, showing a dose–response pattern. In the multivariable model, women with two or more NCDs had a 33% lower prevalence of EIB (PR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.55–0.82). However, multimorbidity was not significantly associated with EBF. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for targeted support strategies for women with multiple NCDs to promote optimal breastfeeding practices in the Latin American context.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia