title: Factors associated with initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Italy.
abstract: To evaluate factors associated with initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Italy, 1601 (73%) respondents among 2192 randomly selected mothers were interviewed within 1 mo of delivery. Mothers who started breastfeeding (85%) were followed-up for 12 mo. A compliance rate of 100% was obtained. At multiple logistic regression analysis, mother having been breastfed herself (p < 0.01), nursing guidance in the maternity ward (p = 0.01) and higher social class (p = 0.03) were positively associated with initiation of breastfeeding. We found that 42%, 19%, 10% and 4% mothers were still breastfeeding at 3, 6, 9 and 12 mo after delivery, respectively. Cox multiple regression analysis showed a negative association between duration of breastfeeding and pacifier use (p < 0.01), and a positive association with a higher level of maternal education (p = 0.04). Formula supplementation in the maternity ward (given to 30% of infants) was associated with a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.03). Mothers need support with breastfeeding, particularly those from lower social backgrounds and with lower levels of education. Early use of the pacifier should be discouraged.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Riva
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Banderali
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Agostoni
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silano
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Radaelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giovannini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy; D016015:Logistic Models; D008423:Maternal Age; D009042:Motivation; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013995:Time