Breastfeeding Practices of Ethnic Minorities in China: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of 10,408 Mothers

Yu Zhang,Hanyu Wang,Kun Tang,Yiqing Wang

doi:10.1007/s10903-019-00918-1

Yu Zhang, Hanyu Wang + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-019-00918-1

Copy DOI

Abstract

Heterogeneous characteristics of Chinese ethnic groups and their acculturation might contribute to different breastfeeding patterns. This study aimed to explore the breastfeeding practices of ethnic minorities in China considering migration and acculturation. We included 10,408 mothers from a population-based study in China. Ethnic minority was defined as ethnics other than Han. Logistic regression and adjusted prevalence were employed to analyze the association between ethnicity and breastfeeding outcomes. Both Minority group (where both parents were ethnic minorities) had a higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding and predominant breastfeeding. After stratification, this significantly higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding was solely observed among local mothers (those who never immigrated). Husbands caring for mothers “sitting the month”, which could contribute to exclusive breastfeeding, was more common among local Both Minority group. Parental ethnicities and their acculturation could influence breastfeeding practices in China. Interventions should consider ethnic differences as well as acculturation.

Highlights

It is well established in previous literature that breastfeeding is beneficial for the health of mothers and the development of infants [1]
This study aimed to explore the breastfeeding practices in ethnic minority groups in China, with the consideration of migration, assimilation and postpartum social support
Of all 10,346 participants included in the analysis, 8479 (81.95%) with a mean age of 29.36 (SD = 4.95) were placed in Both Han group, 569 (5.50%, mean age of 28.96 with SD = 4.95) placed in Maternal Minority group, 426 (4.12%, mean age of 29.40 with SD = 5.12) placed in Paternal Minority group, and 872 (8.43%, mean age of 29.40 with SD = 5.21) placed in Both Minority group

Summary

Introduction

It is well established in previous literature that breastfeeding is beneficial for the health of mothers and the development of infants [1]. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first. According to a recent cross-sectional study conducted in 55 counties from 30 provinces in China, the proportion of infants who were ever breastfed was 79.6%, and only 20.8% of 14,539 children surveyed were breastfed exclusively until end of the first 6 months, as per AAP recommendations [5]. Research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that most mothers were biologically competent to breastfeed their infants, except those with severe medical conditions [6]. Studies revealed that social support during the postpartum period, i.e. caring and comforting, substantially influenced mothers’ breastfeeding patterns [10, 11]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion