Identification of Socio-demographic and Psychological Factors Affecting Women's Propensity to Breastfeed: An Italian Cohort.

Valentina E Di Mattei,Federica Cugnata,Anna Ogliari,Massimo Candiani,Chiara Jongerius,Lucio Sarno,Letizia Carnelli,Chiara Brombin,Stefania Rinaldi,Martina Bernardi

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01872

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum is a World Health Organization objective and benefits have been demonstrated for both mother and infant. It is important to clarify which factors influence breastfeeding intentions. Our objective was to assess and identify socio-demographic and psychological factors associated with breastfeeding intention in a sample of pregnant Italian women.Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 160 pregnant women. The following psychological constructs were measured using standardized questionnaires: anxiety, prenatal attachment, adult attachment, personality traits, and intention to breastfeed. Socio-demographic data were also collected using a self-report questionnaire. Assessment took place after the 20th gestational week.Results: Self-employment, age and feeding received as an infant were significantly related to breastfeeding intention. Regarding psychological factors, we also found that Neuroticism was negatively associated with mother’s breastfeeding intentions. Relationships between psychological constructs and breastfeeding attitude were examined and represented within a graphical modeling framework.Conclusion: It may be possible to identify women that are less inclined to breastfeed early on in pregnancy. This may aid healthcare staff to pay particular attention to women who show certain socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, so as to fulfill more focused programs.

Highlights

Encouraging mothers to breastfeed is an important World Health Organization (WHO) objective and a primary health promotion strategy
When assessing differences in mean Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) scores between groups, determined on the basis of in demographic/obstetric characteristics, we found that attitude towards breastfeeding significantly differs depending on the mother’s employment (p = 0.004, comparison between self employed and all the other categories, e.g., employed/unemployed/student) and the feeding she received as a child (p < 0.001)
On the basis of the thresholds provided in the literature (De la Mora et al, 1999) IIFAS scores obtained by women in our study were indicative of intention to breastfeed

Summary

Introduction

Encouraging mothers to breastfeed is an important World Health Organization (WHO) objective and a primary health promotion strategy. Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum is a World Health Organization objective and benefits have been demonstrated for both mother and infant. Our objective was to assess and identify socio-demographic and psychological factors associated with breastfeeding intention in a sample of pregnant Italian women. Conclusion: It may be possible to identify women that are less inclined to breastfeed early on in pregnancy. This may aid healthcare staff to pay particular attention to women who show certain socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, so as to fulfill more focused programs

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion