Exclusive breastfeeding in rural Western China: does father’s co-residence matter?

Abstract

Background China suffers from a low exclusive breastfeeding rate. Though it has been proofed that paternal support benefits breastfeeding a lot, the correlation between father’s co-residence and exclusive breastfeeding in China remain undiscovered. This study is to provide population-based evidence for the association of paternal co-residence on exclusive breastfeeding in rural western China. We also attempt to detect how the process works by examining the correlation between the father’s co-residence and breastfeeding family support as well as maternal decision-making power. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 nationally-designated poverty-stricken counties in the Qinba Mountains area in 2019. Data on breastfeeding practices, the status of fathers co-residence, breastfeeding family support, and maternal decision-making power were collected via structured questionnaires from 452 caregivers-infant pairs. Multivariate regressions were conducted to explore the correlation between paternal co-residence and exclusive breastfeeding. Results The exclusive breastfeeding (0–6 months) rate was 16% in rural western China. Fathers’ co-residence was associated with a lower exclusive breastfeeding rate (OR = 0.413, 95% CI = 0.227–0.750, P = 0.004) and the rate did not improve when the father was the secondary caregiver. Even ruling out support from grandmothers, the association was still negative. Paternal co-residence did not improve maternal perceived breastfeeding family support, neither practically nor emotionally (β =0.109, P = 0.105; β =0.011,P = 0.791, respectively) and it reduced maternal decision-making power (β = − 0.196, P = 0.007). Conclusions Fathers’ co-residence is negatively associated with the exclusive breastfeeding rates in rural western China. More skill-based practical and emotional strategies should be considered on father’s education to help them better involvement and show more respect to mothers’ decisions.

Comparation of knowledge, attitude and social support of exclusive breastfeeding between primiparae and multiparae after delivery within 6 months in Changsha, China: a cross-sectional study

“…Studies proved that the company and support of fathers and families can effectively raise the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and extend the duration of breastfeeding ( 1 , 6 , 34 , 35 ). The nature of work support breastfeeding has a great effect on the improvement of breastfeeding.…”

Beyond mothers: the crucial role of family caregivers’ knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding in rural western China

“…In southeastern China, lower education levels of grandmothers were associated with decreased rates of breastfeeding [ 14 ]. Furthermore, in rural northwestern China, it was observed that co-residence with the father was correlated with a reduced likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding due to diminished decision-making power regarding breastfeeding practices [ 15 ]. Family members involvement in parenting holds particularly true in western rural China, where the concept of a closely-knit family unit is deeply rooted, often with several generations living under the same roof and sharing parenting responsibilities.…”

Beyond Mothers: The Crucial Role of Family Caregivers' Knowledge on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Rural Western China.

“…This holds particularly true in western rural China, where the concept of a closely-knit family unit is deeply rooted, often with several generations living under the same roof and sharing child-rearing responsibilities. In this context, fathers are typically not the primary caregivers, as they frequently migrate to cities for work [15]. As a result, grandparents often assume the role of primary caregivers.…”