Women's intentions to breastfeed: a population-based cohort study.
O Lutsiv1, E Pullenayegum, G Foster
1Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Summary
Approximately 85% of women intend to breastfeed. Factors like older maternal age and midwife care increase intention, while twin pregnancies and lack of antenatal classes decrease it, informing targeted interventions for better maternal and child health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Intention to breastfeed is a significant predictor of breastfeeding initiation and duration.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of breastfeeding intention is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the population-based prevalence of intention to breastfeed.
- To identify patient, healthcare provider, and hospital factors associated with breastfeeding intention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population-based cohort study conducted in Ontario, Canada.
- Analysis of data from 92,364 women giving birth to live, term, singletons or twins.
- Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- 85.3% of women intended to breastfeed.
- Factors associated with higher intention included older maternal age, no health problems, and exclusive midwife care.
- Factors associated with lower intention included twin pregnancies, not attending antenatal classes, previous births, and delivery in a level-1 hospital.
Conclusions:
- Around 85% of women in this population intended to breastfeed.
- Identified factors can guide the development of targeted interventions to increase breastfeeding prevalence.
- These interventions can contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:15Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Bioavailability studies are essential for evaluating a drug's therapeutic efficacy and understanding its absorption patterns under various physiological conditions. Conducting such studies on target patient populations provides more relevant data by simulating real-world disease states. However, practical challenges often necessitate the use of young, healthy adult volunteers as study subjects.Patients may exhibit altered drug absorption patterns due to the effects of the disease itself,...
01:20Study Designs in Epidemiology
Epidemiological study designs are fundamental tools for investigating the distribution, determinants, and control of health conditions in populations. They help researchers understand the relationships between exposures and outcomes, and they broadly fall into two categories: "observational" and "experimental" studies.
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.
01:11Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
Bioavailability studies are essential for understanding how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. These studies assess the extent and rate at which the active pharmaceutical agent becomes available at the site of action. The design of bioavailability studies can involve single-dose or multiple-dose regimens, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Single-dose studies are the preferred approach due to their simplicity and reduced drug exposure for...
01:08Data Collection by Observations
Data collection refers to a systematic way of obtaining, observing, measuring, and analyzing accurate information. Observational studies are one of the most widely used methods of data collection. It involves collecting data by observing the behavior and physical characteristics of a sample without making any modifications to the sample.
An astronomer viewing the motion and brightness of stars in the sky and recording the data is an example of observational data collection. A botanist recording...
An astronomer viewing the motion and brightness of stars in the sky and recording the data is an example of observational data collection. A botanist recording...