Food Security and Race/Ethnicity Matter when Conceptualizing Breastfeeding Within a Social Justice Framework

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To examine the effects of food insecurity and race/ethnicity on breastfeeding within a social justice framework among children aged 0 to 35 months in the US. Methods Secondary data analysis of 3345 children from 4 waves of the 2007–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using survey commands, and computing tests of proportions, logistic and generalized ordered logistic models to examine bivariate and multivariable associations. Results The prevalence of breastfeeding initiation, any breastfeeding for ≥3 months and any breastfeeding for ≥6 months was lower in non-Hispanic Black children when compared to all other races/ethnicities (i.e., Mexican-American, other Hispanics, non-Hispanic White, and others). Controlling for race/ethnicity, children living in food insecure households were less likely to receive any breastfeeding for ≥3 or ≥6 months. When compared to non-Hispanic White children and controlling for food insecurity, Mexican-Americans, other Hispanics and non-Hispanic Black counterparts were less likely to receive any breastfeeding for ≥3 or ≥6 months. The interaction between food insecurity and race/ethnicity on breastfeeding was statistically significant, and the largest effect of food insecurity on breastfeeding was observed among non-Hispanic Black children. Conclusions According to our results and theoretically grounded on social justice perspectives, efforts need to be aimed towards supporting non-Hispanic Black women particularly living in food insecure households, pre- and postnatally, to increase breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates. By focusing strategies that continuously support positive maternal health behaviors such as breastfeeding, wider goals may be achieved such as narrowing the health gap that has been consistently reported in this racial/ethnic group. Funding Sources No funding was received for this research.