Factors associated with breastfeeding duration among women in Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant feeding bringing short-and long-term benefits for infants, mothers, environment, economy and the entire society. A variety of factors influence and determine breastfeeding duration, including characteristics of the mother, the child and the family, aspects of the health care system, public health and social policies, advertising and promotion of alternative feeding methods. This study aimed to investigate the factors which are associated with breastfeeding duration in a sample of mothers living in Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Pediatric Outpatient Department of the Public Institution Primary Health Care Centre of Canton Sarajevo. The study evaluated 150 mothers in three groups according to breastfeeding duration of 50 each (i.e. less than 3 months, 3–5 months and 6 months and more). As an instrument for data collection a questionnaire was used to provide sociodemographic data, information about mother’s health during pregnancy, delivery in baby-friendly hospital and breastfeeding duration. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that delivery in baby-friendly hospital had a significant association with breastfeeding duration of 6 months and more (p=0.023). Maternal age (p=0.873), marital status (p=0.628), maternal education level (p=0.228), maternal employment (p=0.949), self-perceived financial status (p=0.189), maternal health during pregnancy (p=0.874) were not significantly associated with breastfeeding duration of 6 months and more. These results support the importance of the hospital environment and health provider practices in breastfeeding promotion.