Acculturative type is associated with breastfeeding duration among low-income Latinas

Abstract

We sought to assess the relationship between acculturative type and breastfeeding outcomes among low-income Latinas, utilising a multidimensional assessment of acculturation. We analysed data derived from a breastfeeding peer counselling randomised trial. Acculturation was assessed during pregnancy using a modified Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans scale. Analyses were restricted to Latinas who completed the acculturation scale and had post-partum breastfeeding data (n = 114). Cox survival analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in breastfeeding continuation and exclusivity by acculturative type. Participants were classified as integrated-high (23.7%, n = 27), traditional Hispanic (36.8%, n = 42), integrated-low (12.3%, n = 14) and assimilated (27.2%, n = 31). The integrated-low group was significantly more likely to continue breastfeeding than the traditional Hispanic, assimilated, and integrated-high groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01, respectively). The traditional Hispanic group was marginally more likely to continue breastfeeding than the integrated-high group (P = 0.06). Breastfeeding continuation rates vary significantly between acculturative types in this multinational, low-income Latina sample. Multidimensional assessments of acculturation may prove useful in better tailoring future breastfeeding promotion interventions.

Figure 1

Duration of any breastfeeding by Linear acculturation score category. Cox survival analyses, adjusted for maternal age. No significant differences between breastfeeding duration by acculturative type. BF, breastfeeding.

Figure 2

Duration of any breastfeeding by multidimensional acculturative type. Cox survival analyses, adjusted for maternal age. 3 vs. 1, P < 0.05; 3 vs. 2, P < 0.05; 3 vs. 4, P < 0.01; 1 vs. 4, P = 0.06. BF, breastfeeding.

Figure 3

Duration of exclusive breastfeeding by multidimensional acculturative type. Unadjusted Cox survival analyses. 2 vs. 4, P = 0.06. EBF, exclusive breastfeeding.