Related Experiment Videos
Breast-feeding in Geneva: prevalence, duration and determinants
1Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Geneva.
Sozial- Und Praventivmedizin
|August 11, 1998
Summary
Breastfeeding initiation is high, but duration is short. Factors like maternal smoking and employment reduce breastfeeding duration, while maternal origin influences it. More support is needed to promote longer breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health.
- Understanding prevalence, duration, and determinants is key for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the prevalence, duration, and determinants of breastfeeding in Geneva.
- To identify factors influencing breastfeeding practices.
Main Methods:
- A random telephone survey was conducted in Geneva.
- 278 families with infants born in the preceding 15 months participated.
Main Results:
- Initial breastfeeding prevalence was 93.3%, decreasing to 28.1% at 6 months (median duration 4.2 months).
- Complete breastfeeding prevalence was 87.3% at 1 day, dropping to 3.8% at 6 months (median duration 2.4 months).
- Shorter duration was linked to maternal smoking and employment; longer duration was associated with mothers from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America.
Conclusions:
- While initial breastfeeding rates are high, duration is suboptimal.
- Maternal smoking, employment, and potentially gender influence breastfeeding duration.
- Targeted interventions and policy changes, such as maternal protection legislation, are needed to increase breastfeeding duration.