[The evolution of the prevalence of breast feeding in the Manlleu Basic Health Area (1988-1991)]

To discover the prevalence of maternal lactation in the Manlleu Health Area and the variations in latency since the area was set up to the present day.

Crossover study, based on the record-sheet of the health controls in the clinical notes, of maternal lactation for those recently-born babies monitored in the area between January 1988 and December 1991 (n = 686). SITE. The geographical boundaries of Manlleu Basic Health area (Barcelona).

The prevalence of maternal lactation progressively increased from the base of 1988 (lineal tendency chi 2 = 34.3 p < 0.0001). The number of mothers beginning maternal lactation went up from 62% in 1988 to 72% in 1991. Right from the first month duration also increased, but the differences were especially marked between the second and the fifth months (p < 0.05). The average time of lactation also increased, from 92 days in 1988 to over 114 days in 1991 (p = 0.02).

Prevalence and duration of maternal lactation has improved substantially since the setting-up of the Basic Health Area. This improvement could be attributed to the publicity material that we made available at general health check-ups during the first 6 months.