Relationship between Breast Feeding during Childhood and Blood Pressure in Early Adulthood

Abstract Introduction: Breastfeeding produces an important effect on the physiology of the body, metabolism and human clinical status. Available evidence suggested that breastfeeding has a prophylactic effect on adiposity, blood pressure and other chronic diseases. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the association between infant breastfeeding and blood pressure status in early adulthood. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the sample size was determined to be 300, and the study data were collected through cluster sampling method in 2013. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, which its reliability and validity have been confirmed. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Software (ver.16) applying independent t-test and ANOVA. Results: The mean systolic pressure and diastolic pressure were 113.6±13.1 and 72±11.6 respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic pressure in males was higher than females. Moreover, increased BMI and age were associated with a significant growth in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The present study demonstrated a significant positive correlation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, the results did not show a significant relationship between duration or exclusivity of breastfeeding and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adulthood. Conclusion: The study findings revealed no association between the duration or exclusivity of breastfeeding and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in later life.