The relationship between vulnerability factors and breastfeeding outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether vulnerability factors (confidence with breastfeeding, postpartum depression, supplementation, and perceived adequacy of support) are associated with breastfeeding outcome at 6 weeks postpartum after controlling for age and education.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional telephone survey at 6 weeks postpartum.


METHODS
Ottawa-Carleton, Ontario, Canada.


METHODS
A proportionate, consecutive sample of breastfeeding women from each of four hospitals in the region (526/554, 95% response rate).


METHODS
Stratified bivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between each factor and breastfeeding outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses examined relationships between all factors and breastfeeding outcome.


RESULTS
In the logistic regression analyses, confidence with breastfeeding (odds ratio: 1.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.50-2.27, p < .001) and postpartum depression (odds ratio: 0.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.11-0.71, p= .007) were related to breastfeeding after controlling for age and education.


CONCLUSIONS
Support for breastfeeding should include assessment of maternal confidence with breastfeeding and postpartum depression. Evaluation of intervention strategies to address these vulnerability factors is a priority.
Dunn
Sandra
S
Perinatal Partnership Program of Eastern and Southeastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada. sdunn@pppeso.on.ca
Davies
Barbara
B
McCleary
Lynn
L
Edwards
Nancy
N
Gaboury
Isabelle
I
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009864:Ontario; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires