BackgroundBreastfeeding is universally recognized by the World Health Organization as the best way of feeding infants. Therefore, several countries have initiated health promotion interventions to support successful breastfeeding based on the factors influencing breastfeeding outcomes.ObjectiveTo examine the association between the knowledge of breastfeeding and maternal socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, and to determine any impact on child nutritional status.MethodsA cross-sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted with mothers of infants aged six- to twenty-four months. Data was collected by a semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face, in-depth interviews with mothers to get an insight into their breastfeeding perceptions and experiences. Educational achievement and occupational class were used as indicators of socio-demographic status. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements.ResultsA significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the mother's education (P < .001) and socio-economic status (P < .001) has been highlighted. A significant link was pointed out between breastfeeding and length-for-age Z score (LAZ) (P < .001), and weight-for-age Z score (WAZ) (P = .005). Moreover, a strong association was found between maternal employment and exclusive breastfeeding (P < .001).ConclusionsOur findings shed some light on challenges faced by mothers, as well as an association between socio-demographic characteristics and practices for facilitating exclusive breastfeeding to guide the mothers in breastfeeding management.

Background: Although neonatal mortality decreases in different regions of the world, it is still a major problem in developing countries and particularly in Morocco. Purpose: The aims of this study are to examine the characteristics of pregnant women in the hospital center in the urban commune of Missour as well as the morphological data of the newborn and identify the risk factors implicated in neonatal morbidity. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of collected data from records of women who gave birth in the Maternity of Missour during 2012. As well as a prospective study conducted at the maternity in 2013. Results: A total of 1108 women were included in this retrospective survey, of which 45% come from areas located far from the hospital center of the province and sometimes the access is tough in winter. Only 55.1% of pregnancy was followed. Among 1121 births, 49 babies (4.3%) showed a problematic birth situation: 31 (2.7%) newborns were hospitalized in pediatrics, of which 14 are premature. Neonatal mortality rate is 0.6% that is to say 7 early deaths. The risk factors associated to neonatal morbidity are gestational age and weight birth (in 50% of the cases, 85.7% of deaths are premature infants less than 1500 g). 14 (1.2%) were referred and 11 (0.9%) malformed were noticed. The prospective study states that among the 194 women analyzed, 89.7% are housewives. 89.1% have no medical coverage and 25.4% are illiterate. Only 29.2% benefit from a blood sample during pregnancy and 50% benefit from regular ultrasound follow-up. Conclusion: Mortality and neonatal morbidity constitute a public health priority in Morocco. Our work insists on the interest of an organized support of the newborn from the community to the different levels of the health pyramid. L. Doukkali et al.

Background: Preterm birth is common in Morocco and it's around 8%. Several management rules of taking care of preterm infants have been developed but have not been put into action. The geographical inaccessibility to specialized hospitals and the weakness of the reception capacity of the care centers hinder the management of the complications associated with preterm birth. Purpose: The present study is designed to present some epidemiological data of preterm births within the Provincial Hospital Center of Missour during 2012 and to discuss the various problems emerging in the management of treatment and care. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of preterm births in the maternity ward in the Hospital of Missour during 2012. Results: 37 preterm births among 1121 (3.3%) have been analyzed (51.3% severe premature infants, 45.9% late preterm infants and 2.7% extremely premature infants). 64.2% are originally from difficult areas to reach during winter. All mothers have received upon arrival at the maternity a corticosteroid and calcium antagonists (Adalate*) and an antibiotic treatment to those with a positive infectious anamnesis found in half of the women. We have recorded 3 twin pregnancies and 2 gravidic toxemias. Only 21 babies have been given back to their mothers (namely 56.7%). 5 premature infants (namely 13%) have been referred to the university hospital center of Fez (2 respiratory distress, a malformation and 2 severe premature births) given that there is an absence of a specialized care unit at the hospital, knowing that no baby has received neither surfactant nor caffeine at birth. 14 premature babies (namely 37.8%) have been transferred to the pediatric unit with a total death rate of 16.2% (6 premature) mainly related to neonatal infection and to suffering of the hyaline membranes disease. Conclusion: We emphasize the interest of prevention programs which de- L. Doukkali et al. 77 mand an early diagnosis of preterm birth threats and monitoring high-risk pregnancies, improving the medical care given to low-weight premature by creating "Kangaroo" units at a regional level and the targeting of measures for rural and under-covered areas.

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