INFANT-FEEDING PRACTICES AND CHILD HEALTH IN BOLIVIA

The effects of breast-feeding and supplementation practices on recent diarrhoea occurrence and stunted growth are-modelled using logistic re gression techniques. Data from the Demographic and Health Survey of Bo livia, 1989, show that, among children aged 3-36 months at the date of interview, the benefits of breast-feeding to child health were most p ronounced among children living in rural poverty. Reduced breast-feedi ng among these children increased the likelihood of diarrhoea and stun ted growth. In addition, the introduction of solid foods to currently lactating infants negatively influenced child health.