Objectives: 1) to develop an outcome assessment instrument for suboptimal breastfeeding, the Musculoskeletal Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Questionnaire (MIBAQ); and 2) to collect preliminary data on short-term breastfeeding outcomes of infants receiving chiropractic care.
Methods: This descriptive cohort study was conducted in chiropractic offices using practice-based research methods. Participating Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) all reported frequently providing chiropractic care to infants with musculoskeletal imbalances accompanied by suboptimal breastfeeding. Their staff collected and transmitted data electronically to the central site. Participants were mothers of breastfeeding infants < 6 months of age first presenting for nursing dysfunction during the study period. Data forms were a brief focused history, pre-MIBAQ, one-week post-MIBAQ and patient disposition. MIBAQ content was based on published observer-based questionnaires. The post-form included the Patient’s Global Impression of change (PGIC). The MIBAQ consisted of 23 questions about suckling-related symptoms using a 4-point Likert scale. Responses were summed for a total score (0-69). Pre- and post-scores were compared using a paired t-test. The Pearson correlation between the change score and the PGIC was also calculated.
Results: From May 15 through August 15, 2019, data were collected from 94 participants in 10 chiropractic offices; 100% collected the pre-MIBAQ and 81% the post-MIBAQ. Infants’ mean age was 51 days. The difference between the mean pre-MIBAQ score (23.5) and post-(one-week) MIBAQ score (17.1) was highly significant (p< .000), as was the correlation between the change score (6.4 points) and the PGIC (76% reported improvement; Pearson correlation= .562).
Conclusion: The MIBAQ appears to be a feasible instrument for use in chiropractic practices, and correlates highly with the PGIC, an established general outcome measure.
Author affiliations: CH: Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, Texas, United States; SV: Private practice, South Windsor, Connecticut, United States; JY: Private practice, Olympia, Washington, United States; VL: Private practice, Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada
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