Can Breastfeeding Lower the Risk of Childhood Leukemia? Insights from a Duhok Study, Iraq. Case control study

Authors

Bashar I. Mohammed, Department of Pediatric, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, IraqFollow
Akrem Mohammad Atrushi, Department of Pediatric, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Ibrahim A. Naqid, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Eman Hussien Ali, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Raad Ersan Omar, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Kavi Mohamad Sadoun, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Daveen Abdulsatar Muhammad, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Baderkhan Ihsan Abdullah, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Huda Hayder Mohammed, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Elaf Firas Salim, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the association between breastfeeding practices and the risk reduction of childhood leukemia, and to identify the optimal breastfeeding duration for infant health. A case-control design was used, involving children aged 0–16 years diagnosed with leukemia and a matched control group without leukemia.MethodsData were collected on breastfeeding duration, type of feeding during the first six months, maternal characteristics (age, education, smoking during pregnancy, abortion history, birth control pill use), and child-related variables (sex, age at diagnosis, and birth order). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 27. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and a p-value of12 months) was more frequent in controls (32%) than in cases (16%). Lower maternal education was significantly associated with leukemia cases (p = 0.001). Logistic regression showed exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 0.501, p < 0.001) and breastfeeding >12 months (OR = 0.721, p = 0.001) were protective.ConclusionExclusive and prolonged breastfeeding significantly reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. Maternal education is also an important factor, underscoring the need for public health initiatives to promote breastfeeding awareness

Recommended Citation

Mohammed, Bashar I.; Atrushi, Akrem Mohammad; Naqid, Ibrahim A.; Ali, Eman Hussien; Omar, Raad Ersan; Sadoun, Kavi Mohamad; Muhammad, Daveen Abdulsatar; Abdullah, Baderkhan Ihsan; Mohammed, Huda Hayder; and Salim, Elaf Firas (2025) "Can Breastfeeding Lower the Risk of Childhood Leukemia? Insights from a Duhok Study, Iraq. Case control study," Al-Ameed Journal for Medical Research and Health Sciences: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1 , Article 3.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.61631/3005-3188.1022