Sociodemographic and Personal Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Pregnant Mexican Women Using Public Health Services

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a cost-effective healthy behavior for the mother–child dyad. Globally, rates of EBF are low. Little research has been conducted on the joint role of modifiable and nonmodifiable variables in pregnant women’s decision-making. The aim was to develop and test a model that used personal and sociodemographic factors to predict whether pregnant women who use public healthcare services plan to breastfeed. In a nonprobabilistic sample of 728 pregnant Mexican women, self-efficacy, the planned behavior theory constructs, and the intention to breastfeed (BFI) were measured. A total 60% of the sample was randomly chosen to develop a predictive multivariate logistic regression model. The model was validated in the remaining 40%. Women in the highest tertiles of attitudes and self-efficacy had fourfold increased chances of having a high BFI (OR 4.2, 95% CI [2.4, 7.4]). Working was associated with a decreased intention to exclusively breastfeed (OR 0.61, 95% CI [0.37, 0.98]). The model predicted BFI with a sensitivity of 38.3% and specificity of 82.2%. While personal variables predict the BFI, working decreases women’s chances of breastfeeding. The results can be utilized to develop primary prevention strategies to help mothers who use public health services to breastfeed.

The Impact of Mode of Delivery and Postpartum Conditions on Breastfeeding: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The significance of the rooming-in system is supported not only by the WHO [2,22], but also by several studies [16,23]. Cadwell et al mention in their study that rooming-in results in a higher rate of early breastfeeding, and not rooming-in negatively affects the duration of breastfeeding.…”

“…At the same time, breastfeeding provides not only nutrition but also immunological protection and safety for the baby [1]. Exclusive breastfeeding is also cost-effective and a healthy behavior for the mother-child dyad [2]. Nevertheless, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is insufficient [3].…”