The effect of bırth style on obesıty and allergıc dıseases ın school-age chıldren

Epidemiological studies investigating the effect of mode of delivery on obesity and allergic diseases investigate the relationship of overweight and allergic diseases with cesarean section based on the hygiene hypothesis. The effects of cesarean delivery on the mother are well-lit and widely discussed in the literature, but the long-term pediatric outcomes remain the subject of research and scientific debate. In our study, Tekirdag province we aimed to evaluate the mode of delivery (normal birth/cesarean section) and its effect on overweight (obesity) and allergic diseases in primary and secondary school children whose center is located in Süleymanpaşa. 1002 students aged 5-15 years were included in the study. A questionnaire asking about the birth information of the children, current anthropometric characteristics, breast milk and supplementary food intake, frequency of exercise and socioeconomic characteristics of the family was filled in by the parents. Of the children included in the study, 501 (50%) were girls and 501 (50%) were boys, with a mean age of 9.5±2.2 (min=5.5-max=15) years. The relationship between birth type and obesity in children was statistically significant (p:<0.001). The obesity rate was higher in children born by cesarean section. The relationship between allergy history and mode of delivery was found to be statistically significant. However, no relationship was found between the mode of delivery and a. specific allergic disease. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of babies born by cesarean section was significantly lower (p:0.002). The obesity rate was high in children who did not receive breast milk (p:0.17). A significant increase in obesity was found in the children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy (p:0.040). A significant correlation was found between antibiotic use during pregnancy and allergy in children. As a result, healthy nutrition and development of babies born by cesarean section are affected in the older ages. The feeding and development of babies born by cesarean section should be monitored more closely. Keywords: Mode of birth, Cesarean section, Obesity, Allergy