Initiation of breastfeeding and prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge in urban, suburban and rural areas of Zhejiang China
2009

Breastfeeding Practices in Zhejiang, China

Sample size: 1520 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Qiu Liqian, Zhao Yun, Binns Colin W, Lee Andy H, Xie Xing

Primary Institution: Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University

Hypothesis

What factors influence exclusive breastfeeding initiation in Zhejiang, PR China?

Conclusion

The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Zhejiang is only 50.3% on discharge and does not reach Chinese or international targets.

Supporting Evidence

  • 50.3% of mothers were exclusively breastfeeding at discharge.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding was positively related to vaginal birth and living in suburban or rural areas.
  • Younger mothers and those with lower education levels had higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

Takeaway

Only half of the mothers in Zhejiang are exclusively breastfeeding when they leave the hospital, which is lower than what is recommended.

Methodology

A cohort study with multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on 1520 mothers from four hospitals in different areas.

Limitations

The sample was restricted to three locations in Zhejiang Province, which may not represent the entire region.

Participant Demographics

Mothers from urban, suburban, and rural areas of Zhejiang Province.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4358-4-1

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