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Trends in US hospital distribution of industry-sponsored infant formula sample packs

Radha Sadacharan1, Xena Grossman, Emily Sanchez

  • 1Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA.

Pediatrics
|September 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

US hospitals are increasingly reducing infant formula sample packs. While most still distribute them, the proportion of sample-pack-free hospitals significantly increased between 2007 and 2010.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Healthcare Policy
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • Industry-sponsored infant formula sample packs are commonly distributed by US hospitals.
  • Previous studies indicated a high prevalence of formula sample pack distribution in maternity services.
  • Concerns exist regarding the impact of these samples on infant feeding practices and maternal health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To track changes in the distribution of infant formula sample packs by US hospitals from 2007 to 2010.
  • To assess trends in sample pack elimination among hospitals in selected states.
  • To identify potential factors influencing changes in hospital distribution practices.

Main Methods:

  • A follow-up study analyzing hospital practices in 2010, building on a 2007 survey.
  • Targeted 20 states based on 2007 formula sample pack distribution records (10 best and 10 worst).
  • Hospitals were contacted to determine if they distributed "formula company-sponsored diaper discharge bags" to new mothers.

Main Results:

  • The proportion of "sample-pack-free" hospitals increased from 14% in 2007 to 28% in 2010.
  • In the 10 best-record states, the increase in sample-pack-free hospitals was 18% (P < .0001).
  • In the 10 worst-record states, the increase was 6% (P < .01), with variations by state (0% to 86% sample-pack-free).

Conclusions:

  • Most US hospitals continue to distribute infant formula sample packs, but a significant trend towards elimination is evident.
  • The rate of change was more pronounced in states that already had higher proportions of sample-pack-free hospitals in 2007.
  • These findings suggest a shift in hospital practices regarding infant formula promotion.
Abstract

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