Trends and Determinants in Breastfeeding among Korean Women: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Many efforts have been launched to promote breastfeeding in Korea. However, breastfeeding trends and associated factors with breastfeeding in Korea remain unknown. This study aimed to examine trends and determinants in breastfeeding using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2010-2018). We analyzed data from the KNHANES V (2010-2012), VI (2013-2015), and VII (2016-2018). A total of 9232 women aged 19-49 years were included in this study. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate breastfeeding prevalence trends and associated factors with breastfeeding. Compared to 2010-2012, the odds ratio associated with breastfeeding during 2013-2015 and 2016-2018 increased to 1.30 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.51) and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.21-1.63), respectively. The breastfeeding rate was associated with 40-49 years (OR, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.34-0.64 compared to 19-29 years), richer and poorer income (1.20, 1.03-1.39 in richer group and 1.24, 1.05-1.46 in poorer group compared to richest group), education level (0.74, 0.65-0.86 in ≤12 years of education compared to ≥13 years of education), smoking status (1.77, 1.38-2.28 in non-smoking compared to smoking), and self-rated health (1.40, 1.14-1.70 in good and 1.20, 1.00-1.44 in average compared to bad). Education programs and policies such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and mother-friendly workplaces are necessary to increase the rates of breastfeeding in these groups.