Factors Influencing Health Professionals’ Decisions Regarding the Indication of Infant Formula: A Qualitative Exploration in Uruguay

Abstract

Background: Health systems are fundamental to the promotion and protection of breastfeeding. Health professionals have a pivotal influence on families’ infant feeding decisions and may act as facilitators or barriers to adequate breastfeeding practices. Research Aim: To explore factors influencing health professionals’ decisions regarding the indication of infant formula in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, an emerging Latin American country. Method: This was a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 30 health professionals (neonatologists, pediatricians, family doctors, and nurses) working in primary and secondary care in both private and public health institutions. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis based on deductive-inductive coding. Results: The narratives of the participants identified maternity wards as the healthcare sites where the indication of infant formula occurs most frequently. Motives underlying the indication of infant formula by health professionals were diverse. The type of birth and the conditions of the child and the mother were the most relevant in secondary care, whereas maternal work was the main determining factor in primary care. A wide range of factors encouraging and discouraging the indication of infant formula were identified by health professionals in primary and secondary healthcare locations, which were related to all the levels of influence of the socioecological model. Conclusions: Strategies to reduce the use of infant formula in Uruguay should include improving the support and guidance provided to families in the maternity ward, strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and improving the current maternity leave regulations.