Rural-urban differences in breastfeeding initiation in the United States.
Research has noted a rural disadvantage in breastfeeding initiation; however, most previous research has been based on nonrepresentative samples and has been limited in its ability to compare racial/ethnic differences in breastfeeding initiation based on residential location. This research fills this gap by examining a nationally representative sample of births using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) to explore associations between rural-urban residence and maternal race/ethnicity on breastfeeding initiation. Results indicate that associations observed for rural-urban breastfeeding initiation differ based on maternal race/ethnicity and poverty status. These patterns likely reflect differences in economic resources, work environments, and social support among rural minority postpartum women.
Sparks
P Johnelle
PJ
Department of Demography and Organization Studies, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA.
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011203:Poverty; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult