The Contributing
The
Contributing Factors Associated with Breastfeeding duration in
Iranian Mothers, 2012
Shakeri M, MS.c1 (Corresponding
author), Mojtahedi Y, MD2, Rostamkhani F, MS.c 1,
Moghadam R, MS.c 1
1Dept. of midwifery, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Zanjan, Iran
2Dept.of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: Background
and objective: Breast milk is an ideal nutrient for newborn babies not
only during infancy to ensure health, but also in adulthood to reduce the risk
of many chronic diseases. Since there are different breastfeeding patterns in
every society, the present research was conducted to find out the contributing
factors associated with breastfeeding duration in Iranian mothers,
2012. Methodology: In this analytical-descriptive
cross-sectional study, a total of 1400 mothers with children of one to three
years old (700 girls and 700 boys), who had visited the medical and healthcare
centers in Zanjan for their 1-3 year medical care, were randomly selected
through cluster random sampling. The data was collected by a questionnaire
including individual characteristics and information about the mothers, their children,
and feeding with breast milk. Data analysis was done using
descriptive-inferential statistics and SPSS. At the first stage, Chi-Square
Test, Fischer’s Exact Test and ANOVA were used for unvaried analysis. At the
next stage, the multiple logistic regression analysis was employed. Findings: According
to the results, the mean of lactation period was 14±1.8 months and 58% of the
mothers had begun breastfeeding their children at the first half-hour after
childbirth. Moreover, 34% of the mothers had continued exclusive breastfeeding
for 6 months. At 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after childbirth, the breastfeeding
rates were 90, 60, 45, 34 and 5 percent respectively. In this study, the
lactation period had a significant relationship with mother’s knowledge (p<0.0001),
attitude (p<0.001), age (p<0.001) and the time supplementary feeding was
started (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results,
various factors contribute to the lactation period, which could be extended by
planning and taking great measures for improvement.
[Shakeri M., Mojtahedi Y., Rostamkhani F., Moghadam R. The
Contributing Factors Associated withBreastfeeding duration in Iranian
Mothers, 2012. Life Sci J 2013;10(1):1312-1316]
(ISSN: 1097-8135).http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Mothers, Lactation period.
