Factors associated with breastfeeding initiation in adolescent mothers
Katherine Apostolakis-Kyrus1, Christina Valentine, Emily DeFranco
1Bayfront Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Petersburg, FL.
Objective:
To identify the most influential factors on breastfeeding initiation in adolescent mothers in order to identify the highest risk population to focus education and support services.
Study Design:
Retrospective population-based cohort study of all non-anomalous live births in Ohio (2006-2007). Breastfeeding initiation rates were compared between adolescent mothers age ≤ 19 years and a reference group age >19 years. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed the association between breastfeeding initiation in adolescent mothers while adjusting for important concomitant risk factors including race, socioeconomic, demographic, prenatal, and delivery factors.
Results:
Of 308,380 births during the study period, following exclusions there were 30,402 mothers ≤ 19 years of age (10.5% of study population) and 257,840 mothers age >19 years. Of adolescent mothers, 44% initiated breastfeeding compared with 65% of older mothers, P < .001. Adolescents were 33% less likely to breastfeed after adjusting for important coexisting factors, adjusted relative risk 0.77 (95% CI 0.75-0.80). Socioeconomic factors had the most significant influence on breastfeeding initiation in adolescent mothers.
Conclusion:
Adolescent mothers who have the least social support and are socioeconomically disadvantaged are the least likely to breastfeed their newborn infants. In addition, maternal perception, societal barriers, and a lack of prenatal intervention contribute unique barriers to breastfeeding in adolescence. Opportunities exist for school programs, baby-friendly hospitals, and postpartum education to improve breastfeeding rates in this population.
More Related Videos
08:12Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
07:11Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Development of Human Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Parental Care
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
