Infant Formula Feeding at Birth Is Common and Inversely Associated with Subsequent Breastfeeding Behavior in Vietnam.
BACKGROUND
The association between infant formula feeding at birth and subsequent feeding patterns in a low- or middle-income context is not clear.


OBJECTIVE
We examined the association of infant formula feeding during the first 3 d after birth with subsequent infant formula feeding and early breastfeeding cessation in Vietnam.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional survey, we interviewed 10,681 mothers with children aged 0-23 mo (mean age: 8.2 mo; 52% boys) about their feeding practices during the first 3 d after birth and on the previous day. We used stratified analysis, multiple logistic regression, propensity score-matching analysis, and structural equation modeling to minimize the limitation of the cross-sectional design and to ensure the consistency of the findings.


RESULTS
Infant formula feeding during the first 3 d after birth (50%) was associated with a higher prevalence of subsequent infant formula feeding [stratified analysis: 7-28% higher (nonoverlapping 95% CIs for most comparisons); propensity score-matching analysis: 13% higher (P < 0.001); multiple logistic regression: OR: 1.47 (95% CI: 1.30, 1.67)]. This practice was also associated with a higher prevalence of early breastfeeding cessation (e.g., <24 mo) [propensity score-matching analysis: 2% (P = 0.08); OR: 1.33 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.59)]. Structural equation modeling showed that infant formula feeding during the first 3 d after birth was associated with a higher prevalence of subsequent infant formula feeding (β: 0.244; P < 0.001), which in turn was linked to early breastfeeding cessation (β: 0.285; P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Infant formula feeding during the first 3 d after birth was associated with increased subsequent infant formula feeding and the early cessation of breastfeeding, which underscores the need to make early, exclusive breastfeeding normative and to create environments that support it.
Alive & Thrive, Hanoi, Vietnam; tuan_72@yahoo.com.
Tuan T
TT
Nguyen
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; and.
Mellissa
M
Withers
Alive & Thrive, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nemat
N
Hajeebhoy
Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Edward A
EA
Frongillo
D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014744:Vietnam
Vietnam; breastfeeding cessation; infant formula; infants and young child feeding; prelacteal feeding