The influence of various factors on breast-feeding in Slovenia

This research on breast-feeding was conducted with 881 randomly selected Slovenian mothers who gave birth in January and February 1992. At the time of the study the infants were about 15 months old. The survey was conducted in the homes of the mothers. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, t-test and multivariate binary regression analysis. The mothers' average age was 26.2 years. Their educational level was approximately 12 years of public schooling. On average there were 1.67 children per family. Of the total surveyed, 22 mothers (2.5%) did not breast-feed their babies; 38 mothers (4.3%) were still breast-feeding at the time of the survey. The average duration of breast-feeding for mothers who stopped before or at 15 months of the infant's age was 159.1 days (about 5 months). Having adequate information about breast-feeding and failing to state problems during the breast-feeding period were found to be positive influences which induced mothers to breast-feed their infants. Characteristics of the mothers which influenced longer duration of breast-feeding were: feeding eight or more times daily in the first month of breast-feeding, the birth order of the infant, attending courses for parents, deciding before the birth to breast-feed, living in the city, living with a partner, having a secure income, having no other problems during the period of breast-feeding, spoon-feeding liquids, having a secondary level or more of education, being well informed about breast-feeding and giving the first feed within 12 hours after the birth. Breast feeding among Slovenian mothers is significantly on the rise and the period of breast-feeding is being extended to 6 months. Nevertheless, greater efforts are needed in the education of health personnel to promote and support the healthy practice of breast-feeding.