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Overview on breastfeeding patterns in Saudi Arabia
S N al-Shehri1, M K Farag, M H Baldo
1Health Services, General Presidency of Girls' Education, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Most children studied had a history of breastfeeding, with rural children breastfed longer on average. Parental illiteracy and older maternal age were linked to extended breastfeeding duration.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Child feeding patterns are crucial for infant health and development.
- Understanding breastfeeding practices informs public health interventions.
- Maternal and child health (MCH) issues require ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate child feeding patterns in a national cross-sectional study.
- To analyze factors associated with breastfeeding duration.
- To identify sources of information on child feeding.
Main Methods:
- A national cross-sectional study conducted in 1991.
- Involved 3608 children and their mothers, selected via multistage cluster sampling.
- Data collection through precoded questionnaires administered to mothers.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of breastfeeding: 92.4% urban, 94.5% rural.
- Mean breastfeeding duration: 11 months (urban), 13 months (rural).
- Parental illiteracy and higher maternal age correlated with longer breastfeeding duration.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding is widely practiced, with longer durations in rural areas.
- Maternal age and parental education influence breastfeeding duration.
- Government health facilities and mass media are key information sources for child feeding.