Breastfeeding surveyed using routine data
Maren-Kristin Halvorsen1, Eva Langeland2, Grethe Almenning3
1Helsestasjons- og skolehelsetjenesten i Årstad Bergen kommune.
Insights
Breastfeeding rates were tracked in Bergen, Norway. Factors like smoking and low maternal age were linked to early cessation, while specialist support aided continuation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Breastfeeding serves as a key health indicator in child health surveillance.
- Routine data collection can effectively monitor breastfeeding prevalence and trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate breastfeeding as a health indicator using routine data.
- To survey breastfeeding prevalence, course, and influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a new electronic medical records system (Health Profile 0-20 years) for infant data (2010-11).
- Linked infant health data with the Medical Birth Registry for comprehensive analysis.
- Systematically recorded breastfeeding status at six weeks and six months.
Main Results:
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates were 73.6% at six weeks and 18.9% at six months.
- Factors associated with breastfeeding cessation included smoking, young maternal age, single marital status, poor family situation, and low birth weight (<2,500g).
- Attendance at a breastfeeding center and infant sleep patterns influenced breastfeeding duration.
Conclusions:
- The "Health Profile 0-20 years" system effectively supports breastfeeding research.
- Identified mothers and infants requiring targeted follow-up care.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to investigate breastfeeding as a health indicator through routine data registered at public child health centres. The prevalence and course of breastfeeding were surveyed, as well as factors that affect breastfeeding.
Material And Method:
Breastfeeding status at six weeks and six months of age and other routine data were systematically recorded in a newly developed electronic medical records system (Health Profile 0-20 years) for infants attending public child health centres in Bergen in the period 2010-11. This information was linked to data from the Medical Birth Registry.
Results:
Of 6,093 infants, 73.6% were exclusively breastfed at six weeks of age and 18.9% at six months. In adjusted analyses, there was an association between breastfeeding cessation before six months and the factors smoking, low maternal age, marital status as single, unsatisfactory family situation and social network, and birth weight under 2,500 g. Attendance at a specialist breastfeeding centre and uncertain/abnormal sleep patterns in infants were associated with continued breastfeeding after six months.
Interpretation:
The medical records system «Health Profile 0-20 years», linked to the Medical Birth Registry, was well suited to studying factors that can affect breastfeeding. Mothers and infants with increased need for follow-up were identified.
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