title: Breastfeeding practices in Duzce, Turkey.
abstract: Exclusive breastfeeding among infants less than or equal to 6 months old and continued breastfeeding (20-23 months) are high-priority indicators of infant health. We aimed to assess breastfeeding practices, using standardized breastfeeding indicators, and to determine the causes of early discontinuation of breastfeeding (< or = 6 months) in children aged 0 to 24 months in Duzce, Turkey. In this cross-sectional study, the study group consisted of 158 children, and questionnaires were completed by face-to-face interviews with the mothers. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding (< or = 6 months) was 22.4%. The rate of continued breastfeeding (20-23 months) was 10.0%. The 2 primary causes of early discontinuation of breastfeeding were inadequate milk supply (38.1%) and baby not latching on (14.3%). Half of the individuals who recommended infant formula to mothers with infants less than or equal to 6 months old were physicians.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Duzce Medical School, Duzce University, Konuralp Duzce, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nuray
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yesildal
authors.forename: Gulsen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aytar
authors.forename: Kenan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kocabay
authors.forename: Atilla Senih
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Mayda
authors.forename: Sinemis Cetin
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Dagli
authors.forename: Talat
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bahcebasi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D014886:Weaning