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[Breastfeeding in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais: a representative sample study]
1Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), MG, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 4, 2003
Summary
Breastfeeding duration in Montes Claros is better than national reports but below WHO recommendations. Critical exclusive breastfeeding patterns and weak maternal-infant health support contribute to early weaning.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and development.
- Early weaning poses significant risks to child well-being.
- Understanding local breastfeeding practices is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess breastfeeding prevalence and duration in Montes Claros.
- To identify risk factors associated with early cessation of breastfeeding.
- To evaluate the support provided by maternal-infant health services.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 602 mothers in Montes Claros.
- Random sampling and interviews conducted by trained personnel.
- Survival analysis, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were employed.
Main Results:
- Median breastfeeding duration was 8.7 months; exclusive breastfeeding was only 27 days.
- Risk factors for early weaning included low birth weight, maternal breastfeeding difficulties, and lack of postnatal medical encouragement.
- Prevalence ratio (PR) and odds ratio (OR) were used to quantify associations.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding rates are higher than some national data but below WHO standards.
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates are critically low.
- Weak support from health services contributes to early breastfeeding cessation.