Influences on the extent of breast-feeding: a prospective study in the Philippines
Stewart, J.F.; Popkin, B.M.; Guilkey, D.K.; Akin, J.S.; Adair, L.; Flieger, W.
Demography 28(2): 181-199
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0070-3370 PMID: 2070894 DOI: 10.2307/2061274Document Number: 314969
There has been much controversy about the impact of the health sector and the infant food industry on breast-feeding behavior. This study links causal factors to breast-feeding decisions, using a longitudinal survey of more than 3,000 Filipino mother-infant pairs. Most factors decreasing the likelihood that mothers will breast-feed seem to be related to family economics. Delivery in a private hospital, urban residence, high income, absence of spouse, and having worked for wages affect adversely the initiation of breast-feeding. Formula advertising and distribution of samples appear to have relatively little impact on feeding decisions.