[Prevalence and duration of breastfeeding in Asturias]

To estimate the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding, and factors associated with them, in Asturias (Spain).

A cross-sectional study was carried out. A stratified random sample of 453 infants was drawn on a population of 4,326 infants aged 0-8 months at the time of the study. Sociodemographic data, and information on pre- and perinatal care were obtained through a telephone survey in which mothers were also asked whether they were breastfeeding on the day of the telephone call. A univariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the prevalence curve of breastfeeding according to infant age, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associations between the prevalence and covariates. The discontinuity index (DI) and the cumulative breastfeeding index (CBI) were also estimated as indicators of duration.

A total of 418 telephone calls were made. The prevalence of initial exclusive breastfeeding was 51.4% (95% CI: 46.6-56.2%) which decreased to 14.9% at day 90 and to 8.7% at day 120. The DIs were 28.6% at day 30 and 71% at day 90. In the multivariate analysis the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was higher among mothers living in a rural or suburban area (OR = 5.69 and OR = 3.55, respectively), than among those living in urban areas. The prevalence was also higher among mothers with a university degree (OR = 3.90; 95% CI: 1.77-8.58), and among those who had been seen by a midwife during pregnancy (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.04-4.38). A negative correlation was found between exclusive breastfeeding and the newborn having received food supplements during the first hours after birth (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20-0.95).

The prevalence of breastfeeding in Asturias, and especially its duration, is much lower than that recommended by the World Health Organization. Mothers living in urban areas do not follow the most appropriate patterns of breastfeeding.