Abstract

Author(s): Amador Rodero, Eulalia María; Montealegre Esmeral, Leslie Piedad

Introduction. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder of multifactorial etiology, composed of neurobiological, genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors. Nutritional status is an important factor to consider. Some findings suggest that there is a relationship between the levels of nutrients provided during pregnancy and the critical period of development, with alterations in the behavior in the child and / or the appearance of antisocial behavior in the adult. The lack of some nutrients interferes withthe neurocognitive development of the child, and predisposes to externalized behavioral problems.

Aim. To determine the association between non-breastfeeding and the presence of ADHD in the children under study.

Method. Was a quantitative cross-sectional correlation study. A population composed of 169 children between 0-15 years of age 50 diagnosed with ADHD and 119 controls, all attended a private rehabilitation center in the city of Barranquilla between September and November of the year 2015. It was applied to the mothers of the participants A structured survey

Results. Significant relationships were identified between breastfeeding of the study population and diagnosis of ADHD (p <0.02). It was observed that children who did not receive breastfeeding were 2.2 times more likely to have ADHD; in the non-ADHD control group, 84% of the children received breastfeeding. As for sex, significant differences were found between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding in children (p = 0.005) in girls there were no significant differences (p = 0.73), children who did not receive breastfeeding had a 3, 67 (CI: 1.31-10.4) times greater risk of being diagnosed with ADHD

Discussion and Conclusions. Children who do not receive breast milk and / or are fed formula milk are at increased risk of developing ADHD. It is necessary to continue working in this line because of the importance of breast milk as a protective factor in the onset of ADHD.