Breastfeeding Duration, Children’s Diet and Sports Engagement in Immigrant Children: A Quantitative Study in Lisbon Region, Portugal

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202503.1290.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-03-20T01:14:06Z
• Authors: Zélia Muggli; Regina Loesch; Iolanda Alves; Iliete Ramos; Maria do Rosario ...

Background: While immigrant children often exhibit better breastfeeding practices, they may face challenges in maintaining a healthy diet and engaging organized sports. Despite the growing child population Portugal, evidence on these behaviours, particularly among preschool aged children, remains limited. In this context, study examines associations between migrant status patterns, fruit vegetable consumption participation sports living Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Methods: Cross-sectional nested within cross-sequential cohort was carried out region May 2022 April 2024. Approximately 720 (49.4% immigrants) born 2018 2020 were enrolled study, data collected through face-to-face interview with parents using structured questionnaire information socioeconomic variables, migration history, habits, children's (fruit consumption) physical activity. We used parametric non-parametric tests to compare non-migrant children. To quantify factors associated main outcomes, we estimated logistic regression model calculated crude adjusted odds ratios their respective CI95%. Results: Immigrant disproportionately represented socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Breastfeeding initiation rates higher mothers (96.3%vs.87.6%, p < 0.001). Additionally, had longer median duration of any (14 vs. 8 months, p < 0.001) exclusive (6 4 Being an decreased significantly consuming three or more portions (aOR=0.700; CI95%:0.511-0.959; p=0.027) two vegetables per day (aOR=0.489; CI 95%: 0.350-0.684;p<0.001) compared non-immigrant twice as likely not engage (aOR=2.185; CI95%:1.512-3.158;p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings highlight need address social determinants health faced by families promoting balanced for Multisectoral, culturally appropriate interventions that support breastfeeding, improve access food, encourage are crucial reducing inequalities.