Resumo

MONTEBAN, Madalena Femina. Factors associated with breastfeeding in mothers who access primary health services in Northwest Argentina. Cuad. Fac. Humanid. Cienc. Soc., Univ. Nac. Jujuy [online]. 2018, n.54, pp.191-212. ISSN 1668-8104.

Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, and complementary breastfeeding through the second year of life have been identified as highly effective prevention interventions to reduce infant mortality. While breastfeeding is increasing in Latin America, diverse factors, such as education and access to health care services are associated with lower signs of improvement in breastfeeding practices. In this study we examined the relationship between sociodemographic factors and breastfeeding practices in a population of mothers who participate in maternal and infant health programs of the public health system in four provinces of northwest Argentina. A transversal retrospective design was utilized applying a questionnaire to measure demographic characteristics, the presence of symptoms of depression and anxiety, and breastfeeding practices. In multivariate analyses being a stay-at-home mom or a student was positively associated with breastfeeding initiation, while reporting symptoms of anxiety had a negative association. Symptoms of depression increased the probability of breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant's life. Mothers younger than 30 years of age and who identified as Indigenous or Indigenous and European showed higher probability of continuing breastfeeding up until 12 months or more. The probability of exclusively breastfeeding was lower in mothers with symptoms of depression. Examining adherence or deviation from breastfeeding recommendations can guide interventions that promote optimal breastfeeding practices. In our sample, ethnicity and the role of problematic mental health symptomology in breastfeeding practices emerge as factors that merit further study. The results highlight the importance of the development of holistic inquiries in which not only informative or educational aspects are considered but also social support mechanisms for women that confront particular limitations.

Palavras-chave : Breastfeeding; Ethnicity; Maternal-infant health; Mental health; Northwest Argentina; Primary health care.

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