[Breastfeeding patterns according to ethnic origin in two Well Child-Care Clinics in Beer Sheva and Ofakim].
OBJECTIVE
To determine breastfeeding patterns according to the ethnic origin of mothers of 2-year old babies in two Well Child-Care Clinics in Beer Sheva and Ofakim, Israel.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed including all mothers of 2-year old babies in two Well Child-Care Clinics in Beer Sheva and Ofakim. A structured interview was given to 132 mothers, which included demographic data and breast-feeding characteristics.


RESULTS
A total of 106 mothers (80%) initiated and maintained breast-feeding. Mean duration of breast-feeding was 10.7 weeks (SD = 13). Women of North-African ethnicity were less likely to maintain breast-feeding (8.8 +/- 21.1) as compared to mothers of Iranian/Iraqi/Turkish descent (29.7 +/- 39.8) (p < 0.05). Mean duration of breast-feeding among mothers who worked out of their house was significantly longer as compared to housewives (7.7 +/- 14.5 vs. 16.9 +/- 29.3; p = 0.05). These women had a higher level of education as compared to the housewives (14.0 +/- 2.7 years vs. 11.6+/- 1.4 years; p < 0.01). Mothers of three children were less likely to maintain breast-feeding as compared to mothers of two children (8.8 +/- 10.6 weeks vs. 16.1 +/- 19.7 weeks; p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Special efforts in the realm of education regarding the importance of breast-feeding should be focused on mothers of North-African descent, secular women, housewives and those having three or more children. Further prospective studies should investigate the efficacy of educational programs as well as support groups regarding breast-feeding.
Zur
Michal
M
Program of Master in Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Shmuel
Bat-Sheva
BS
Bilenko
Natalia
N
Hadar
Amnon
A
Bulotin
Arkadi
A
Sheiner
Eyal
E
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004522:Educational Status; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007557:Israel; D014931:Women, Working / Q000706:statistics & numerical data