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. 1994 Mar;94(3):293-7.
doi: 10.1016/0002-8223(94)90371-9.

Health of infant is the main reason for breast-feeding in a WIC population in Hawaii

R Novotny  1 , E C Kieffer, J Mor, M Thiele, M Nikaido
Affiliations

Health of infant is the main reason for breast-feeding in a WIC population in Hawaii

R Novotny et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 1994 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To determine factors influencing infant feeding method choices among women who received services from the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during pregnancy in Hawaii.

Design: A retrospective survey mailed to all resident mothers who had live births in Hawaii between January 1, 1989, and March 31, 1989, and who received WIC services during pregnancy.

Setting: The state of Hawaii.

Subjects: The subjects were 322 mothers who received WIC services during pregnancy for whom data were complete, taken from a sample of 2,013 women who had live births in the state of Hawaii (51% response rate) between January 1, 1989, and March 31, 1989, of whom 324 participated in WIC during pregnancy.

Main outcome measures: Infant feeding method (exclusive breast, exclusive formula or mixed) at hospital discharge.

Statistical analyses performed: The chi 2 analysis for differences among feeding method groups and multiple logistic regression to calculate odds ratios for independent effects of maternal characteristics and other influences on feeding method choice.

Results: Reasons for infant feeding choice, timing of the choice, maternal age, parity, and place of residence were the main factor influencing infant method choice. Health of the infant was the primary reason for choice of feeding method and was the strongest determinant of exclusive breast-feeding (odds ratio = 23.99; confidence interval = 9.75-59.02; P < .0001) and was negatively related to the choice to formula-feed (odds ratio = 0.03; confidence interval = 0.01-0.08; P < .0001).

Applications: Relationship between WIC and hospital lactation consultants could enhance follow up in the hospital and after returning home with WIC mothers who prenatally state an intention to breast-feed. Convenience and bonding are aspects of breast-feeding enjoyed by WIC mothers in Hawaii that could be used in breast-feeding promotion efforts.

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