Introduction and objectives: Breastfeeding is related to the state of health and physical growth during the first 1000 days of life. Objective was to identify the relationship between height / age indicator and exclusive breastfeeding in children under 2 years old in urban area of Ecuador.
Methods: Cross-sectional study in children under 2 years of Child Development Centers of the Provincial Board-Chimborazo (n = 193). Anthropometric data on weight and height were taken, a standardized questionnaire on socioeconomic status and breastfeeding practices and food introduction was applied. The anthropometric indicators were analyzed in Anthro and logistic regression was performed to determine the association of lactation practices with the short stature of  children, the model was adjusted by education level and socioeconomic status of the mothers.
Results: 51% were male sex, the age of the mother at the time of birth was between 18 - 30 years, 67% of the mothers are private employees and 57% of them have a higher education level. 23% of the sample had a low height and 12% had severe low height. 34% of the children had exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months. With respect to children who received exclusive breastfeeding (EB), children who did “not receive exclusive breastfeeding” (NEB) (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.11-2.21) are more likely to have low height. In addition, children who did NEB have a higher prevalence of severe low height (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.22-2.31) compared to children who did receive EB.
Conclusions: Low height and severe low height may be related to inadequate breastfeeding practice in children under 2 years age.

BREASTFEEDING AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICATORS IN CHILDREN FROM THE URBAN AREA OF ECUADOR.