Factors associated with exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding in Norway.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding during the first year of life among Norwegian infants.


METHODS
Data on breast-feeding practices were collected by a semi-quantitative FFQ.


METHODS
In 2006-2007 about 3000 infants were invited to participate in a population-based prospective cohort study in Norway.


METHODS
A total of 1490 mothers/infants participated at both 6 and 12 months of age.


RESULTS
Exclusive breast-feeding at 4 months was associated with parental education, parity and geographical region, while exclusive breast-feeding at 5·5 months was associated only with maternal age. At both ages, a negative association with exclusive breast-feeding was observed for maternal smoking. Breast-feeding at 6 months was associated with parental education, maternal age and marital status. Breast-feeding at 12 months was associated with maternal education, maternal age and number of children. At both ages, negative associations with breast-feeding were observed for maternal smoking and descending birth weight. At 12 months, a negative association was also observed for having day care by other than the parents.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though Norway has an extensive and positive breast-feeding tradition and a maternal leave system that supports the possibility to breast-feed, factors like maternal education, maternal age and maternal smoking are strongly associated with duration of exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding. Research to better understand the reasons for inequalities in breast-feeding is needed to facilitate the development of more effective breast-feeding promotion strategies. This again may improve compliance with recommendations and reduce inequalities in infant feeding practices.
Kristiansen
Anne Lene
AL
Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1046, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway. a.l.kristiansen@medisin.uio.no
Lande
Britt
B
Øverby
Nina Cecilie
NC
Andersen
Lene Frost
LF
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001724:Birth Weight; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002656:Child Day Care Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires