Early weaning among Japanese women in Hawaii

This study examined factors associated with early weaning among Japanese women in comparison with Caucasian women in Hawaii. A mailed survey was sent to all women who delivered an infant in Hawaii between January 1st 1989 and March 31st 1989. Only Japanese (N=228) and Caucasian women (N=439) were included in this study. All Japanese breast-feeding women in the study introduced formula at some point in time. Cox multivariate regression analysis was conducted in two separate models of Japanese and Caucasian women, respectively. Higher maternal age and working part-time among Japanese women, and multiparity, college education, rural island and long-term Hawaii residence among Caucasian women were protective against early weaning. Introduction of formula was strongly associated with early weaning for both groups, the association being stronger for Japanese women. The early practice of partial breast-feeding may play an important role for early weaning among Japanese women in Hawaii.