TY - JOUR
T1 - Factors associated with initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Italy
AU - Riva, E.
AU - Banderali, G.
AU - Agostoni, C.
AU - Silano, M.
AU - Radaelli, G.
AU - Giovannini, M.
PY - 1999
Y1 - 1999
N2 - To evaluate factors associated with initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Italy, 1601 (73%) respondents among 2192 randomly selected mothers were interviewed within 1 mo of delivery. Mothers who started breastfeeding (85%) were followed-up for 12 mo. A compliance rate of 100% was obtained. At multiple logistic regression analysis, mother having been breastfed herself (p <0.01), nursing guidance in the maternity ward (p = 0.01) and higher social class (p = 0.03) were positively associated with initiation of breastfeeding. We found that 42%, 19%, 10% and 4% mothers were still breastfeeding at 3, 6, 9 and 12 mo after delivery, respectively. Cox multiple regression analysis showed a negative association between duration of breastfeeding and pacifier use (p <0.01), and a positive association with a higher level of maternal education (p = 0.04). Formula supplementation in the maternity ward (given to 30% of infants) was associated with a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.03). Mothers need support with breastfeeding, particularly those from lower social backgrounds and with lower levels of education. Early use of the pacifier should be discouraged.
AB - To evaluate factors associated with initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Italy, 1601 (73%) respondents among 2192 randomly selected mothers were interviewed within 1 mo of delivery. Mothers who started breastfeeding (85%) were followed-up for 12 mo. A compliance rate of 100% was obtained. At multiple logistic regression analysis, mother having been breastfed herself (p <0.01), nursing guidance in the maternity ward (p = 0.01) and higher social class (p = 0.03) were positively associated with initiation of breastfeeding. We found that 42%, 19%, 10% and 4% mothers were still breastfeeding at 3, 6, 9 and 12 mo after delivery, respectively. Cox multiple regression analysis showed a negative association between duration of breastfeeding and pacifier use (p <0.01), and a positive association with a higher level of maternal education (p = 0.04). Formula supplementation in the maternity ward (given to 30% of infants) was associated with a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.03). Mothers need support with breastfeeding, particularly those from lower social backgrounds and with lower levels of education. Early use of the pacifier should be discouraged.
KW - Breastfeeding duration
KW - Breastfeeding initiation
KW - Breastfeeding practice
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U2 - 10.1080/08035259950169792
DO - 10.1080/08035259950169792
M3 - Article
C2 - 10342540
AN - SCOPUS:0032923762
VL - 88
SP - 411
EP - 415
JO - Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics
JF - Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics
SN - 0803-5253
IS - 4
ER -