Predictors of exclusive breastfeeding in early infancy: operational implications
Sachdev, H.P.; Mehrotra, S.
Indian Pediatrics 32(12): 1287-1296
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 8772886 Document Number: 450769
The factors associated with termination of exclusive and partial breast-feeding in early infancy were evaluated in a cross-sectional multivariate study in New Delhi, India, conducted between August 1993 and July 1994. Mothers of 501 infants (0-6 months old) answered questions relating to maternal and family characteristics, antenatal and perinatal factors and infant characteristics which were likely to affect breast-feeding practices. Maternal height and weight and infant weight were recorded. 99.4% of mothers had [ever?] breast-fed, 44.9% of mothers were exclusively breast-feeding, 67.8% were predominantly breast-feeding and 31.5% were bottle-feeding. Of the 36 mothers who gave reasons (n = 50) for stopping breast-feeding 28% said that the infant rejected the breast, 16% said they had insufficient milk and 12% said they had lactation failure. Amongst the 29 factors subjected to univariate analyses, 16 variables were included in a multiple logistic regression model. The significant positive independent associations for exclusive and partial breast-feeding were with infant's present weight (odds ratio 1.45-9.64); human milk as a first feed (1.53-2.22); and lower age of infant (1.02-1.05). Other predictors for exclusive breast-feeding versus feeding infants only on non-human milk and/or food-based fluids were breast-feeding promotion (1.34 and 2.99); less maternal education (1.09 and 1.23); normal vaginal delivery (1.6); and a taller mother (1.21).