Socio-demographic and Lifestyle Factors in Breastfeeding Mothers, Referring to Isfahan Health Centers

Abstract

Background The feeding importance of child in first two years of life and mental damage caused by malnutrition during this period is obvious. However the mother's lifestyle and long-term effects on the health of the mother and infant during breastfeeding period should not be neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between the demographic characteristics and lifestyle of breastfeeding mothers referring to health centers in Isfahan. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 190 breastfeeding mothers were selected by quota sampling from Isfahan-Iran. Demographic and lifestyle questionnaires were completed. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods using of SPSS-16. Results The majority of mothers (88.9%) in breast feeding period have an appropriate lifestyle. The most favorable conditions among different aspects of lifestyle related to spiritual health and the most unfavorable is related to sports and fitness. There was a direct and significant relationship between mother's education and prevention of accidents (r=0.34, P<0.05); father’s education and social health (r=0.281, P<0.05) respectively. Results showed with increasing rank of birth, the avoiding of medications, drug and alcohol decreased; also with increasing duration of breastfeeding, prevention of accidents reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion According of these findings, it seems that the pregnancy and postpartum period offers a percpective of opportunity to healthcare professionals to train and correct lifestyle and its different aspects of mothers in order to improve the health of the mother and infant.