Risk factors for the lack of adherence to breastfeeding

To evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding in a metropolitan region in Brasil and to identify factors influencing the lack of adherence to exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and total breastfeeding for 2 years.

In this cross-sectional study, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of mothers and children in pediatric outpatient clinics were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed using the backward stepwise method to analyze factors associated with the lack of breastfeeding compliance.

In total, 385 mothers who visited the pediatric outpatient clinics were included. Among the mothers, 38.44% reported exclusive breastfeeding for >6 months and 22.6% reported total breastfeeding for 2 years or more. The predictive factors for the lack of adherence to exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months included single mothers (OR=1.976; 95%CI 1.245-3.135; p=0.004), use of a pacifier (OR=2.25; 95%CI 1.436-3.524; p<0.001), and low birth weight (OR=2.21; 95%CI 1.192-4.102; p=0.012). Predictive factors for the lack of adherence to total breastfeeding for 2 or more years included use of a pacifier (OR=4.82; 95%CI 2.722-8.54; p<0.001), planned pregnancy (OR=0.51; 95%CI 0.305-0.875; p=0.014), and breastfeeding in the first hour of life (OR=0.36; 95%CI 0.208-0.641; p<0.001).

The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and total breastfeeding for 2 years or more was insufficient in the studied population. Several factors were associated with the lower duration of exclusive breastfeeding and total breastfeeding. The use of a pacifier and no breastfeeding in the first hour were preventable factors associated with both modalities.