Risk Factors of the Maternal Breast Feeding

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: to characterize breastfeeding practices accomplished with children in their first year of life and the possible risk factors responsible for weaning. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out from November 2006 to April 2007 with 250 mothers enrolled in the basic health units from the city of João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, which were submitted to an interview including biosociodemographic and assistential variables related to the pair. Infant feeding practice indicators were obtained from 24-h food intake recall. For the elaboration of the database and statistical analysis, the SPSS v. 11 and Epi.Iinfo v. 3.4.3 programs were used. The statistical test used was the chi-square test with significance level of 5%.The Odds Ratio (OR) and the prevalence ratio were calculated, with confidence interval of 95%. Results: It was observed that 71.6% of children were under breastfeeding, being 42% complemented. 59.6% (149) were from 0 to 6 months old and only 24.2% (36) received exclusive breastfeeding, while 18.8% (28) were fully weaned (c²=35.50; p<0.001). It was also verified that the use of pacifiers (c²=61.00; p<0.001) and nursing bottles (c²=24.75; p<0.001) had significant influence on weaning. Conclusion: The breastfeeding duration, especially exclusive, is shorter than the period recommended by the World Health Organization, highlighting the need to implement strategies that encourage this practice, seeking to curb, through maternal guidance, the possible risk factors for weaning, in this case, the use of pacifiers and nursing bottles. DESCRIPTORS Breastfeeding. Weaning. Risk factor.