HuiJun Chih1, Kim Betts2, Jane Scott2, Rosa Alati2. 1. School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia. h.chih@curtin.edu.au. 2. School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to explore association between maternal depressive symptoms and infant feeding practice at hospital discharge. METHODS: Data were obtained from a birth cohort study based in Australia that linked to health administrative records. Maternal demographic data, mental health status derived from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), feeding practices of livebirths of at least 400 g or gestation periods of at least 20 weeks recorded during July-December 2015 were included (n = 14,658). Logistic regression models were performed to test association between presence of depressive symptoms and exclusive breast or formula feeding within 24 h prior to hospital discharge while adjusting for covariates known to be associated with breastfeeding. RESULTS: About 12% of women self-reported having depressive symptoms (EPDS score ≥ 10). Although only 7% of women (n = 1012) exclusively formula fed their babies, having depressive symptoms was associated with a 51% higher likelihood of exclusive formula feeding at hospital discharge. The association remains significant after adjustment for maternal age, gestational weeks, number of previous pregnancies, socioeconomic and partner status (p < 0.001) and all other covariates (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Having depressive symptoms was associated with increased likelihood of exclusive formula feeding. Routine measurement post-delivery and early management of maternal depressive symptoms may influence infant feeding practice and reduce prevalence of exclusive formula feeding at hospital discharge.
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to explore association between maternal depressive symptoms and infant feeding practice at hospital discharge. METHODS: Data were obtained from a birth cohort study based in Australia that linked to health administrative records. Maternal demographic data, mental health status derived from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), feeding practices of livebirths of at least 400 g or gestation periods of at least 20 weeks recorded during July-December 2015 were included (n = 14,658). Logistic regression models were performed to test association between presence of depressive symptoms and exclusive breast or formula feeding within 24 h prior to hospital discharge while adjusting for covariates known to be associated with breastfeeding. RESULTS: About 12% of women self-reported having depressive symptoms (EPDS score ≥ 10). Although only 7% of women (n = 1012) exclusively formula fed their babies, having depressive symptoms was associated with a 51% higher likelihood of exclusive formula feeding at hospital discharge. The association remains significant after adjustment for maternal age, gestational weeks, number of previous pregnancies, socioeconomic and partner status (p < 0.001) and all other covariates (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Having depressive symptoms was associated with increased likelihood of exclusive formula feeding. Routine measurement post-delivery and early management of maternal depressive symptoms may influence infant feeding practice and reduce prevalence of exclusive formula feeding at hospital discharge.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cohort study; Formula feeding; Hospital discharge; Maternal depression
Authors: Amit Arora; Narendar Manohar; Andrew Hayen; Sameer Bhole; John Eastwood; Steven Levy; Jane Anne Scott Journal: Int Breastfeed J Date: 2017-09-15 Impact factor: 3.461