Maren-Kristin Halvorsen1, Eva Langeland2, Grethe Almenning3, Siren Haugland4, Lorentz M Irgens5, Trond Markestad6, Ragnhild Sollesnes2. 1. Helsestasjons- og skolehelsetjenesten i Årstad Bergen kommune. 2. Institutt for sykepleiefag Avdeling for helse- og sosialfag Høgskolen i Bergen. 3. Byrådsavdeling for helse og omsorg Bergen kommune. 4. Uni Research Helse. 5. Institutt for global helse og samfunnsmedisin Universitetet i Bergen. 6. Barneklinikken Haukeland universitetssykehus og Klinisk institutt 2 Universitetet i Bergen.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate breastfeeding as a health indicator through routine data registered at public child health centres. The prevalence and course of breastfeeding were surveyed, as well as factors that affect breastfeeding. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Breastfeeding status at six weeks and six months of age and other routine data were systematically recorded in a newly developed electronic medical records system (Health Profile 0-20 years) for infants attending public child health centres in Bergen in the period 2010-11. This information was linked to data from the Medical Birth Registry. RESULTS: Of 6,093 infants, 73.6% were exclusively breastfed at six weeks of age and 18.9% at six months. In adjusted analyses, there was an association between breastfeeding cessation before six months and the factors smoking, low maternal age, marital status as single, unsatisfactory family situation and social network, and birth weight under 2,500 g. Attendance at a specialist breastfeeding centre and uncertain/abnormal sleep patterns in infants were associated with continued breastfeeding after six months. INTERPRETATION: The medical records system «Health Profile 0-20 years», linked to the Medical Birth Registry, was well suited to studying factors that can affect breastfeeding. Mothers and infants with increased need for follow-up were identified.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate breastfeeding as a health indicator through routine data registered at public child health centres. The prevalence and course of breastfeeding were surveyed, as well as factors that affect breastfeeding. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Breastfeeding status at six weeks and six months of age and other routine data were systematically recorded in a newly developed electronic medical records system (Health Profile 0-20 years) for infants attending public child health centres in Bergen in the period 2010-11. This information was linked to data from the Medical Birth Registry. RESULTS: Of 6,093 infants, 73.6% were exclusively breastfed at six weeks of age and 18.9% at six months. In adjusted analyses, there was an association between breastfeeding cessation before six months and the factors smoking, low maternal age, marital status as single, unsatisfactory family situation and social network, and birth weight under 2,500 g. Attendance at a specialist breastfeeding centre and uncertain/abnormal sleep patterns in infants were associated with continued breastfeeding after six months. INTERPRETATION: The medical records system «Health Profile 0-20 years», linked to the Medical Birth Registry, was well suited to studying factors that can affect breastfeeding. Mothers and infants with increased need for follow-up were identified.
Authors: Julia A Paul; Joanne Chateau; Chris Green; Lynne Warda; Maureen Heaman; Alan Katz; Carolyn Perchuk; Lorraine Larocque; Janelle Boram Lee; Nathan C Nickel Journal: Can J Public Health Date: 2019-05-17