Maternal Factors Associated with Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding in Haitian Immigrant Women in Southern Chile

Abstract

There is limited knowledge concerning factors that affect non-exclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) practices in immigrant populations, especially in Latin America. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between maternal factors and the prevalence of NEBF in Haitian immigrant women in southern Chile. This was an analytical cross-sectional study. The probabilistic sample consisted of 173 Haitian women who gave informed consent. Sociodemographic and dietary-nutritional information was collected from all participants. Bivariate (χ2) and multivariate (logistic regression) inferential statistics were applied. All analyses were performed with the STATA 16.0 statistical software, and the significance level was established as α < 0.05. The prevalence of EBF at 6 mo was 54.3%. Maternal factors associated with a lower prevalence of EBF were not having permanent residency (OR: 2.34, CI: 2.18–2.83), residency <12 months (OR: 2.23, CI: 2.09–2.78), limited knowledge of breastfeeding (OR: 1.96; CI: 1.81–2.27), and low educational attainment (OR: 1.78; CI: 1.61–2.11). The protective factors were employment (OR: 0.36, CI: 0.28–0.40), access to basic services (OR: 0.32; CI: 0.22–0.48), and Spanish proficiency (OR: 0.29; CI: 0.20–0.51). Haitian immigrant women without legal residency, recently arrived, with low educational attainment, and poor knowledge of breastfeeding have more risk of not providing exclusive breastfeeding. Targeted interventions for mothers with these risk factors may help improve EBF rates.

Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding during postpartum in Lanzhou city, China: a cross-sectional study

“…Based on previous studies in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Area ( 9 – 12 ), Middle East ( 13 – 15 ), Europe ( 16 – 18 ) and the North and South Americas ( 19 – 21 ), we found a wide range of factors at individual, cultural, health facility, and socioeconomic levels. However, the effects of some factors sometimes reached contradictory conclusions ( 2 ).…”

Findings on dietary characteristics among Haitian immigrants and the threat of food insecurity: A scoping review

“…Four studies investigated breastfeeding and weaning practices among Haitian immigrant mothers [ 21 , 34 , 35 , 37 ]. In Chile, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants under 6 months was 54.3 %, and 72.8 % of the participants had adequate knowledge of nutrition [ 34 ].…”

“…Four studies investigated breastfeeding and weaning practices among Haitian immigrant mothers [ 21 , 34 , 35 , 37 ]. In Chile, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants under 6 months was 54.3 %, and 72.8 % of the participants had adequate knowledge of nutrition [ 34 ]. Employment, access to basic services, and Spanish proficiency had a positive association with EBF, while not having permanent residency, residency <12 months, limited knowledge of breastfeeding, and low educational attainment had a negative association [ 34 ].…”

“…In Chile, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants under 6 months was 54.3 %, and 72.8 % of the participants had adequate knowledge of nutrition [ 34 ]. Employment, access to basic services, and Spanish proficiency had a positive association with EBF, while not having permanent residency, residency <12 months, limited knowledge of breastfeeding, and low educational attainment had a negative association [ 34 ]. In the U.S., two reports [ 21 , 37 ] mentioned that the majority of mothers (73 %) believe that breastfeeding is better than bottle feeding, and 60 % elect to breastfeed one or more of their infants.…”

The effect of low-fidelity simulation training on breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy among young lactating mothers in Tanzania: A quasi-experimental study

“…Factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding include inadequate knowledge about breastfeeding, low education level, working outside home [ 11 , 12 ], inadequate ANC visits and poor income [ 13 ]. In additional, various studies provide evidence of poor breastfeeding techniques and inadequate knowledge of breastfeeding practice.…”