Open AccessRoutinely collected infant feeding data: Time for global action
Author(s) -
Whitford Heather,
Hoddinott Pat,
Amir Lisa H.,
Chamberlain Catherine,
East Christine E.,
Jones Leanne,
Renfrew Mary J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
maternal and child nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1740-8709
pISSN - 1740-8695
DOI - 10.1111/mcn.12616
Subject(s) - medicine , breastfeeding , psychological intervention , consistency (knowledge bases) , environmental health , global health , breast feeding , public health , data quality , pediatrics , nursing , operations management , metric (unit) , geometry , mathematics , economics
The importance of breastfeeding is clear. However, global action to support breastfeeding is hindered by the lack of reliable standard data, which continues to impede progress. Routinely collected data can monitor the effectiveness of health policy, evaluate interventions, and enhance international research collaboration and comparisons. Use of routine data to support effective public health initiatives such as smoking cessation has been demonstrated. However, the data collected about infant feeding practices worldwide is inconsistent in timing, methods, definitions, detail, storage, and consistency. Improvements to the reach and quality of routinely collected data about infant feeding are needed to strengthen the global evidence and policy base. An international collaborative effort is called for to progress this.