OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding during the first year of life among Norwegian infants. DESIGN: Data on breast-feeding practices were collected by a semi-quantitative FFQ. SETTING: In 2006-2007 about 3000 infants were invited to participate in a population-based prospective cohort study in Norway. SUBJECTS: A total of 1490 mothers/infants participated at both 6 and 12 months of age. RESULTS: Exclusive breast-feeding at 4 months was associated with parental education, parity and geographical region, while exclusive breast-feeding at 5·5 months was associated only with maternal age. At both ages, a negative association with exclusive breast-feeding was observed for maternal smoking. Breast-feeding at 6 months was associated with parental education, maternal age and marital status. Breast-feeding at 12 months was associated with maternal education, maternal age and number of children. At both ages, negative associations with breast-feeding were observed for maternal smoking and descending birth weight. At 12 months, a negative association was also observed for having day care by other than the parents. CONCLUSIONS: Even though Norway has an extensive and positive breast-feeding tradition and a maternal leave system that supports the possibility to breast-feed, factors like maternal education, maternal age and maternal smoking are strongly associated with duration of exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding. Research to better understand the reasons for inequalities in breast-feeding is needed to facilitate the development of more effective breast-feeding promotion strategies. This again may improve compliance with recommendations and reduce inequalities in infant feeding practices.
OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding during the first year of life among Norwegian infants. DESIGN: Data on breast-feeding practices were collected by a semi-quantitative FFQ. SETTING: In 2006-2007 about 3000 infants were invited to participate in a population-based prospective cohort study in Norway. SUBJECTS: A total of 1490 mothers/infants participated at both 6 and 12 months of age. RESULTS: Exclusive breast-feeding at 4 months was associated with parental education, parity and geographical region, while exclusive breast-feeding at 5·5 months was associated only with maternal age. At both ages, a negative association with exclusive breast-feeding was observed for maternal smoking. Breast-feeding at 6 months was associated with parental education, maternal age and marital status. Breast-feeding at 12 months was associated with maternal education, maternal age and number of children. At both ages, negative associations with breast-feeding were observed for maternal smoking and descending birth weight. At 12 months, a negative association was also observed for having day care by other than the parents. CONCLUSIONS: Even though Norway has an extensive and positive breast-feeding tradition and a maternal leave system that supports the possibility to breast-feed, factors like maternal education, maternal age and maternal smoking are strongly associated with duration of exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding. Research to better understand the reasons for inequalities in breast-feeding is needed to facilitate the development of more effective breast-feeding promotion strategies. This again may improve compliance with recommendations and reduce inequalities in infant feeding practices.
Authors: A Betoko; M-A Charles; R Hankard; A Forhan; M Bonet; M-J Saurel-Cubizolles; B Heude; B de Lauzon-Guillain Journal: Eur J Clin Nutr Date: 2013-01-09 Impact factor: 4.016