Informing the 'early years' agenda in Scotland: understanding infant feeding patterns using linked datasets

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Scotland has one of Europe's lowest breastfeeding rates, impacting infant health.
• Government policy prioritizes infant nutrition and healthy development through breastfeeding.
• A better understanding of infant feeding practices and their health outcomes is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a unique, population-wide resource for exploring infant feeding and child health in Scotland.
• To investigate the determinants of breastfeeding in a representative sample of Scottish infants.
• To create a valuable dataset for research, policy design, and intervention programs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized descriptive and multivariate analyses of linked routine and administrative maternal and infant health records.
• Included data for 731,595 infants born in Scotland between 1997 and 2009.
• Ensured high coverage and completeness of infant feeding and demographic data.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive linked dataset was created, encompassing background, parental, maternal, birth, and health service characteristics.
• The data confirmed the significance of an enabling environment in promoting breastfeeding.
• Key factors include cultural, family, and health service influences on infant feeding choices.

Conclusions:

• The developed linked dataset enables investigation into breastfeeding determinants for Scottish infants (1997-2009).
• This resource is vital for informing research, shaping health policies, and targeting public health interventions.
• It supports efforts to improve infant nutrition and health outcomes through evidence-based strategies.