Risk factors for cessation of breastfeeding

Abstract

Introduction The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is advancing quickly in all parts of life and health care. Nonetheless, breastfeeding is said to be on the deterioration. Patients and methods A case–control study was carried out to evaluate the risk factors that may lead to cessation of breastfeeding among infants and children less than 2 years who live in Al Kharj and Al Riyadh cities, Saudi Arabia. Cases included mothers of infants who stopped breastfeeding during first year after delivery, whereas controls were mothers of infants or children who were breastfed for 1 year or more. In total, 366 mothers were enrolled: 183 for continued breastfeeding group and the same number for stopped breastfeeding group. Each enrolled mother was interviewed by a specially designed questionnaire. Results Risk factors for cessation of breastfeeding were delivery by caesarean section, full- or part-time mother’s employment, usage of oral contraceptives, higher level of education, and absence of support for breastfeeding. Adjusted odds ratios were 2.2, 2, 1.9, 1.8, and 1.6, respectively. Conclusion As a result of the study, it was recommendation to pay attention toward pregnant women with these risk factors to support them to continue breastfeeding for 2 years.

Keywords

• breastfeeding
• cessation
• risk factors