Effects of hospital policies and practices on initiation and duration of breastfeeding.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to verify if hospital policies and practices, independently of main maternal sociodemographic determinants, influence initiation and duration of breastfeeding.


METHODS
The study was carried out at the Immunization Centre of Messina where all infants born in the four maternity wards of Messina are vaccinated, using a structured questionnaire, constructed in conformity with the methodology suggested by the WHO.


RESULTS
Data analysis, performed by non-parametric and multivariate analysis of variance and by Kaplan-Meier curves, showed that the highest probability rate (P < 0.001) of initiation and duration of breastfeeding, independently of maternal age, parity, education levels, smoke and work was found in infants born in a University Hospital, characterized by earlier times of first suckling, longer hospital stay and higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data emphasize the role and responsibility of hospital policies and practices in the promotion, and in the duration of breastfeeding.
Manganaro
R
R
Department of Paediatric and Surgery Sciences, University of Messina, ASL 5, Messina 98100, Italy.
Marseglia
L
L
Mamì
C
C
Paolata
A
A
Gargano
R
R
Mondello
M
M
Puliafito
A
A
Gemelli
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D009035:Mothers; D013997:Time Factors