Predictors of breast-feeding in a developing country: results of a prospective cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
Data on the prevalence and predictors of breast-feeding remain scarce in Lebanon. Moreover, no study has previously addressed the effect of the paediatrician's sex on breast-feeding. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of breast-feeding at 1 and 4 months of infant age while exploring the potential role of the sex of the paediatrician.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study. Predictors of breast-feeding significant at the bivariate level were tested at 1 and 4 months through two stepwise regression models.


METHODS
Infants were enrolled through the clinics and dispensaries of 117 paediatricians located in Beirut, Lebanon, and its suburbs.


METHODS
A total of 1,320 healthy newborn infants born between August 2001 and February 2002 were prospectively followed during the first year.


RESULTS
Breast-feeding rates at 1 and 4 months were 56.3 % and 24.7 %, respectively. Early discharge, high parity and religion were significantly associated with higher breast-feeding rates at 1 and 4 months of age. Maternal age proved significant only at 1 month, while maternal working status and sex of the paediatrician were significant at 4 months. A novel finding of our study was the positive effect of female paediatricians on breast-feeding continuation until 4 months of age (OR = 1.49; 95 % CI 1.03, 2.15).


CONCLUSIONS
Breast-feeding rates are low at 1 and 4 months of infant age in Beirut. Further research to investigate the interactions between female physicians and lactating mothers in maintaining breast-feeding in other populations is warranted. The results constitute the basis for designing interventions targeting policy makers, health professionals and mothers.
Al-Sahab
Ban
B
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Canada.
Tamim
Hala
H
Mumtaz
Ghina
G
Khawaja
Marwan
M
Khogali
Mustafa
M
Afifi
Rima
R
Nassif
Yolla
Y
Yunis
Khalid A
KA
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards; D010819:Physician's Role; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014886:Weaning