Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates at Hospital Discharge Across the Robson Ten-Group Classification System: A...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Lactation Science

Background:

• The Robson Ten-Group Classification System (RTGCS) is a global standard for monitoring caesarean section rates.
• Its association with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) outcomes at hospital discharge requires further investigation.
• Understanding these links can optimize maternal and infant health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at hospital discharge across different Robson Ten-Group Classification System (RTGCS) groups.
• To identify factors influencing EBF at discharge within these classifications.
• To inform targeted interventions for improving breastfeeding success.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 23,081 births (23,037 included in breastfeeding analysis) from 2010-2023.
• Analysis of EBF at hospital discharge stratified by RTGCS groups.
• Binomial logistic regression used to identify predictors of EBF, with model fit assessed by Hosmer-Lemeshow test and Nagelkerke's R².

Main Results:

• Overall EBF rate at discharge was 74.10%, with significant variations across RTGCS groups.
• Group 1 exhibited the highest EBF rate (78.34%), while Group 8 had the lowest (56.49%).
• Positive predictors for EBF included non-Spanish origin, nulliparity, cephalic presentation, singleton pregnancy, and term gestation.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in EBF rates exist across RTGCS groups, with Group 1 showing the highest and Groups 8, 5, and 7 showing the lowest.
• These findings underscore the importance of tailoring breastfeeding support strategies.
• Targeted interventions are crucial for improving EBF outcomes in specific high-risk maternal populations identified by RTGCS.