Non-nutritive Sucking Habits in Infants Aged 1 to 3 Years: Association with Breastfeeding Duration and Socio-demographic Characteristics of Their Family

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and its association with breastfeeding duration and sociodemographic characteristics in 140 children (1 to 3 years of age) attending health and treatment centers in the city of Yazd, Iran. Methods: The sample divided into 2 groups of having NNS (non nutritive sucking) habit and not having NNS habit. The data were collected via validated questionnaires filled by children’s mothers and were analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square, Fisher and odds ratio tests. Results: Results showed no statistical differences between study groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics of their families (P>0.05). However the average time period of breastfeeding was remarkably higher in control group compared with test group (17.11 and 11.47 months respectively). The odds ratio for the association between the time period of breastfeeding and the prevalence of NNS habits was 4.88(95% CI 4.76 to 50). Conclusion: Based on this study the lower prevalence of NNS habits belong to the children who were breastfed longer.