Factors influencing high socio-economic class mothers’ decision regarding formula-feeding practices in the Cape Metropole

Abstract

* Regarding the level of education, Grade 12 is equivalent to 12 years of schooling;Grade 7 is equivalent to 7 years of schooling.The main aim of the study was therefore to identify the factors that influence high socio-economic class mothers' decisions regarding infant-feeding practices. The objectives were to identify the reasons why high socio-economic class women in the Cape Metropole decide not to breast-feed; to evaluate whether the type and volume of infant AbstractThe aims of the study were to identify the reasons why high socio-economic class women in the Cape Metropole decide not to breast-feed; to evaluate whether the type and volume of infant formula selected by the mother was appropriate for her infant's current age and to identify the factors that influence the decision-making process when deciding which infant formula to feed her infant.An observational descriptive study with consecutive sampling was utilised. Data of 55 mothers with infants aged 0 to 6 months that were not currently breast-fed was captured in day care centres and private clinics situated in the Cape Metropole. Data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire available in Afrikaans and English.The majority of mothers (80%) decided only after the birth of their infant to rather opt for formula feeding. Evident factors that were identified as barriers to breast-feeding include a lack of knowledge and experience (38%) as well as a lack of facilities at public places (75%) and at work (71%) to breast-feed. Perceived benefits of infant formula included that the father could help with the workload (67%) and does not feel left out (38%), the mother knows what volume of milk is received (84%) and the convenience if the mother is working (64%). The mothers were overall not concerned about possible side-effects of breast-feeding and did not feel that their breasts were physically not of optimal physiology to breast-feed.One of the greatest challenges to support, protect and promote breast-feeding is to ensure that information sources give scientifically correct information to the uninformed or information-seeking mother in a standardised and positive manner.

Factors that influenced mothers and/or caregivers in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, to purchase infant formula for their infants

“…13 Three quarters of the participants in the present study were influenced by advice from others, and these findings concur with those reported by Yee and Chin, and Andrew and Harvey, namely that women reported that their infant feeding choices were influenced by the perceived norm among family and friends.…”

“…Implementation of the MBFI in South African mother and child health services, as per the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund, is the most likely explanation why the use of infant formula in hospital influenced only 10% of the participants during this period. This is different to the findings of a study performed in Ireland by Martyn,13 in which most of the women were influenced by a milk brand that they had seen in a hospital postnatal ward, making the hospital an advertising arena for infant formula. Yee and Chin also reported different results, indicating that promotional clauses had the highest impact on East Malaysian parents' decision to purchase a particular brand.…”

“…This indicates that price was not an influential factor, and this was also observed in the present study. 13,17 Participants with a similar demographic profile (education level, ethnicity and combined monthly family income) were similarly influenced by a paediatrician's recommendation. Previous studies conducted by Point of Purchase Advertising International and DuPont in 1990 indicated that most purchase decisions are made in store and are unplanned, i.e.…”

“…10 Martyn also reported that almost all of the women in the study could buy an infant formula of their choice without being hindered by cost considerations. 13 Parents were also reported to be willing to pay more for safer and quality-assured, powdered infant formula milk in a German study conducted by Goldberg, Roosen and Nayga. This indicates that price was not an influential factor, and this was also observed in the present study.…”

Comparison of infant-feeding practices in two health subdistricts with different baby-friendly status in Mpumalanga province

“…Breast physiology was not regarded as a factor that prevented breastfeeding. 60 In the context of HIV, there are even more barriers to breastfeeding. In a study in Uganda 46 , breastfeeding had been stopped at the time of the interview by half of the HIV-positive mothers with infants under two years of age.…”