Indices of Multiple Deprivation predict breastfeeding duration in England and Wales.
BACKGROUND
To investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and socio-economic status as measured by the English and Welsh Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).


METHODS
Total 216 multiparous women whose youngest or only child was between 6 and 24 months completed a retrospective questionnaire study of infant feeding between birth and 26 weeks. Measurements included breast-feeding history; socio-economic demography and IMD.


RESULTS
Breastfeeding duration was associated with levels of multiple deprivation in both English and Welsh samples. Deprivation level and breastfeeding duration were associated with traditional indicators of socio-economic status. When considered in combination with other socio-economic indicators of breastfeeding duration, the deprivation level remained a strong predictor of breastfeeding duration over and above other socio-economic measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Deprivation, as assessed by the IMD is predictive of breastfeeding duration. Postcode and thus deprivation level can be used as a non-intrusive way to identify women most at risk of low breastfeeding rates. Service provision can be targeted directly at women in areas recognized at being high in deprivation.
Brown
Amy E
AE
School of Human Sciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. a.e.brown@swansea.ac.uk
Raynor
Peter
P
Benton
David
D
Lee
Michelle D
MD
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology