Assessing the Implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in Hungary: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

We assessed the prevalence of the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” in Hungary and identified possible associations of the steps with breastfeeding. Our quantitative, cross-sectional research was conducted anonymously online in Hungary with a self-administered questionnaire in 2021. Targeted sampling was used, with biological motherhood and having at least one child no older than 60 months as inclusion criteria (n = 2008). The implementation of the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” was analyzed separately for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers. A breastfeeding mother was defined as breastfeeding for at least six months. Descriptive statistics, χ2 test, and t-test were calculated with SPSSv25 (p p = 0.624) and in terms of assistance with breastfeeding or suggested breastfeeding positions during hospitalization (p = 0.413). Significant differences were found for receiving breastfeeding-friendly recommendations by staff (p = 0.006), valuing breastfeeding (p p = 0.002), receiving supplementary feeding (p p p p p = 0.005). Significant differences were observed between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding subsamples regarding the implementation of baby-friendly steps (p p = 0.795) and partial breastfeeding (p = 0.250) based on the results. We concluded that exposure to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative may be associated with increased 6-month breastfeeding but may not influence longer durations.

Keywords

• Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
• breastfeeding
• exclusive breastfeeding
• Hungary