THE IMPACT OF EARLY WEANING ON AMAZONIAN PUBLIC HEALTH: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Early weaning is recognized as a determining factor for child health problems in contexts of social and structural vulnerability, such as the Amazon region. This study seeks to critically analyze the impacts of early weaning on public health in the Amazon. Method: This is an integrative literature review, considering publications between 2021 and 2025. At the end of the selection process, eight articles were included in the critical analysis. Results and discussion: The findings indicate that early weaning is strongly associated with a higher prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, delayed neurological development, increased infant mortality, and increased costs for the public health system. Factors such as informal work, lack of maternity leave, low primary care coverage, scarcity of breastfeeding support spaces, and insufficient professional training were also identified as relevant determinants of early weaning in the region. Conclusions: Early weaning is an indicator of health inequity and social vulnerability, especially in the Amazon. Addressing this problem requires intersectoral public policies that are sensitive to the local territory and culture, focusing on strengthening primary care, institutional support for motherhood, and valuing care practices centered on women and children.