title: Factors associated with exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding in Norway.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1046, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway. a.l.kristiansen@medisin.uio.no
authors: Anne Lene
authors: AL
authors: Kristiansen
authors: Britt
authors: B
authors: Lande
authors: Nina Cecilie
authors: NC
authors: Øverby
authors: Lene Frost
authors: LF
authors: Andersen
mesh_terms: 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