Association of Social and Community Factors with U.S. Breastfeeding Outcomes

To explore, in a large, nationally representative U.S. sample of children, potential independent associations between social and community factors and breastfeeding outcomes, using the Social Ecological Model as a theoretical framework. A secondary data analysis of the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health was conducted (N = 29,829). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate associations between predictor variables (parental emotional support, neighborhood social support, neighborhood safety, neighborhood amenities, and medical home) and breastfeeding outcomes (breastfeeding initiation [BFI] and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months [EBF6m]). For predictor variables reaching statistical significance in the adjusted models, we performed subgroup analyses by race-ethnicity. After adjusting for individual- and family-level sociodemographic and maternal-child health factors, living in a neighborhood with 4 amenities was associated with 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-2.23) times the odds of BFI, compared to children living in neighborhoods with no amenities. There was a negative association (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.83; 95% CI 0.70-0.99) between neighborhood social support and BFI, although living in a supportive neighborhood was associated with 1.37 (95% CI 1.11-1.69) times the odds of EBF6m. There was a negative association (aOR 0.71; 95% CI 0.54-0.93) between perceived neighborhood safety and EBF6m. The observed associations differed by race-ethnicity. Community-level structural and social support factors influence breastfeeding outcomes, independent of previously described individual level sociodemographic factors, and the observed associations differ by race-ethnicity. These findings have implications for the development of "breastfeeding-friendly" communities and public policies.