Longitudinal methods for analysis of the influence of breastfeeding on early child health in Pakistan

Abstract

Statistical methods for analysing aspects of early child health in Lahore, Pakistan are discussed. We construct generalised linear mixed models with a binomial response variable and both fixed and random explaining effects. In order to elucidate the causal effects of breastfeeding on early child health we use the two-step approach recently advocated in the statistical literature, but we modify the procedure to be practicable for the present longitudinal study. The selection effects of breastfeeding are examined, and variables with major effect on the breastfeeding pattern are included in the final model. For some, but not all, social groups the analysis gives enough motivation for the conclusion that breastfeeding prevents the occurrence of diarrhoea