[Introduction of complementary feeding and associated factors in preterm and low birthweight newborns: a prospective cohort study]. / Introdução da alimentação complementar e fatores associados em recém-nascidos pré-termo e com baixo peso: estudo de coorte prospectivo.

This study aimed to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors, maternal and neonatal characteristics and the time taken to introduce complementary feeding in low birthweight and preterm newborns. This is a prospective cohort study of 79 preterm newborns weighing less than or equal to 1,800g. Data were collected at the time of hospital discharge and at the 6th, 9th ,and 12th months of corrected gestational age (CGA), using a structured questionnaire to analyze the time taken to introduce complementary feeding and the texture of the foods introduced. Furthermore, the Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC-BR) was used to assess the risk of developmental delay. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the variables. The introduction of complementary feeding was assessed in preterm newborns based on the median age of introduction of liquid foods (3.50; IQR: 2.50-5.00), followed by solid (4.70; IQR: 3.20-5.20) and soft foods (5.00; IQR: 4.50-5.50). There was also an association with gestational age (RR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.02-1.52) throughout the process of food introduction. For solid and soft foods, those with the longest length of stay (RR = 1.03; 95%CI: 1.10-1.05) and on mixed breastfeeding (RR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.24-7.09) delayed the introduction of complementary feeding the longest. For liquid foods, less severe preterm newborns (Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology and Perinatal Extension - SNAPPE II [RR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.94-0.98]) and mothers who were breastfeeding at hospital discharge (RR = 11.49; 95%CI: 1.57-84.10) delayed the introduction of complementary feeding. Guidelines are needed to better advise professionals and parents and/or guardians on the ideal time to introduce feeding.

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar a associação entre os fatores sociodemográficos, as características maternas e neonatais e o tempo de introdução da alimentação complementar em recém-nascidos pré-termo e com baixo peso. Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo feito com 79 recém-nascidos pré-termo com peso menor ou igual a 1.800g. Os dados foram coletados no momento da alta hospitalar e ao 6º, 9º e 12º mês de idade gestacional corrigida (IGC), com auxílio de um questionário estruturado para analisar o tempo de introdução da alimentação complementar e texturas dos alimentos introduzidos. Além disso, para avaliar o risco de atraso de desenvolvimento, utilizou-se o Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC-BR). Para análise das variáveis, aplicou-se regressão de riscos proporcionais de Cox. A introdução da alimentação complementar foi observada nos recém-nascidos pré-termo, com a mediana de idade de introdução de alimentos líquidos (3,50; IQ: 2,50-5,00), seguido por sólidos (4,70; IQ: 3,20-5,20) e pastosos (5,00; IQ: 4,50-5.50). Ainda, verificou-se associação da idade gestacional (RR = 1.25; IC95%: 1,02-1,52) em todo o processo da introdução alimentar. Para os alimentos sólidos e pastosos, aqueles com o maior tempo de internação (RR = 1,03; IC95%: 1,10- 1,05) e em amamentação mista (RR = 2,97; IC95%: 1,24-7,09) adiaram mais o tempo para introduzir a alimentação complementar. Para alimentos líquidos, recém-nascidos pré-termo menos graves (Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology and Perinatal Extension - SNAPPE II [RR = 0,96; IC95%: 0,94-0,98]) e mães que estavam amamentando na alta hospitalar (RR = 11,49; IC95%: 1,57-84,10) postergaram a introdução alimentar. Diretrizes para melhor orientação de profissionais e pais e/ou responsáveis sobre o momento ideal de introdução alimentar se faz necessário.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre los factores sociodemográficos, características maternas y neonatales y el momento de introducción de la alimentación complementaria en recién nacidos pretérmino (recém-nascidos pré-termo) y de bajo peso. Se trata de un estudio de cohorte prospectivo realizado con 79 recém-nascidos pré-termo con un peso menor o igual a 1.800g. Los datos se recopilaron en el momento del alta hospitalaria y al 6º, 9º y 12º mes de edad gestacional corregida (EGC), con la ayuda de un cuestionario estructurado para analizar el momento de introducción de la alimentación complementaria y las texturas de los alimentos introducidos. Además, para evaluar el riesgo de retraso en el desarrollo, se utilizó la Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC-BR). Para analizar las variables, se aplicó la regresión de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. La introducción de la alimentación complementaria se observó en los recém-nascidos pré-termo, con la mediana de edad de introducción de alimentos líquidos (3,50; IIC: 2,50-5,00), seguido de los sólidos (4,70; IIC: 3,20-5,20) y pastosos (5,00; IIC: 4,50-5,50). Además, se constató la asociación de la edad gestacional (RR = 1,25; IC95%: 1,02-1,52) durante todo el proceso de introducción alimentaria. En el caso de alimentos sólidos y pastosos, aquellos con mayor tiempo de hospitalización (RR = 1,03; IC95%: 1,10-1,05) y en lactancia mixta (RR = 2,97; IC95%: 1,24-7,09) retrasaron más la introducción de alimentación complementaria. En el caso de alimentos líquidos, los recém-nascidos pré-termo menos graves (Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology and Perinatal Extension - SNAPPE II [RR = 0,96; IC95%: 0,94-0,98]) y las madres que estaban amamantando al alta hospitalaria (RR = 11,49; IC95%: 1,57-84,10) pospusieron la introducción de alimentos. Se hacen necesarias pautas para una mejor orientación a profesionales y padres o tutores sobre el momento ideal para la introducción alimentaria.

Trends and disparities in ever-breastfeeding practice and early breastfeeding initiation in Ethiopia: a 20-year trend analysis from EDHS datasets.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia has had a long-standing national commitment to improving child health for the last five decades. However, evidence on trends of ever-breastfeeding and early initiation remained fragmented, and there existed a paucity of holistic evidence on the extent of the impacts of the policy and the associated factors. This study examined trends, disparities, and factors influencing ever-breastfed and early initiation in the last twenty years. METHODS: The Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS 2000-2019) datasets were used and extracted for children aged 0-23 months and their mothers. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Trend and time-series analysis was used to visualize changes over time. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of ever-breastfeeding declined from 99.4% in 2000, to 84.01% in 2019; and early initiation showed inconsistency, increasing from 48.55% in 2000 to 69.57% in 2016 and remained unchanged (69.78%) in 2019. Maternal age, religion, and maternal healthcare utilization significantly influenced early initiation (p < 0.001). Both ever-breastfeeding and early initiation varied across regional states (< 0.001). Disparities in breastfeeding and early initiation were observed across socio-cultural settings and regional states (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ever-breastfeeding declined nationwide between 2000 and 2019, which was not uniform and early initiation showed inconsistency across socio-cultural settings and regional states. These findings highlight the need to revisit current policies and interventions. Further research is crucial to inform the development of regionally tailored and culturally sensitive strategies that promote equitable and sustained breastfeeding improvement across Ethiopia.

Exploring the associations of food and financial insecurity and food assistance with breastfeeding practices among first-time mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Social determinants of health (SDoH), such as food and financial insecurity and food assistance, are potentially modifiable factors that may influence breastfeeding initiation and duration. Knowledge gaps exist regarding the relationship between these SDoH and infant feeding practices. We explored the relationships of food and financial insecurity and food assistance with the continuation of breastfeeding at four months postpartum among mothers and whether race and ethnicity modified these associations. DESIGN: Mothers retrospectively reported food and financial insecurity and receipt of food assistance (e.g. Women, Infants and Children and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) during pregnancy with their first child and infant feeding practices (exclusive/mostly breastfeeding v. exclusive/mostly formula feeding) following the birth of their first child. Sociodemographic-adjusted modified Poisson regressions estimated prevalence ratios and 95 % CI. SETTING: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: Mothers who participated in the Life-course Experiences And Pregnancy study (LEAP) (n 486). RESULTS: Ten percent of mothers reported food insecurity, 43 % financial insecurity and 22 % food assistance during their pregnancies. At four months postpartum, 63 % exclusively/mostly breastfed and 37 % exclusively/mostly formula-fed. We found a lower adjusted prevalence of breastfeeding at four months postpartum for mothers who reported experiencing food insecurity (0·65; 0·43-0·98) and receiving food assistance (0·66; 0·94-0·88) relative to those who did not. For financial insecurity (aPR 0·92; 0·78, 1·08), adjusted estimates showed little evidence of an association. CONCLUSIONS: We found a lower level of breastfeeding among mothers experiencing food insecurity and using food assistance. Resources to support longer breastfeeding duration for mothers are needed. Moreover, facilitators, barriers and mechanisms of breastfeeding initiation and duration must be identified.

Breastfeeding Needs in Adolescent Mothers: A systematic review.

Adolescent mothers face numerous challenges while breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess the breastfeeding needs of adolescent mothers. For this systematic review, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SID and Magiran databases were searched. The initial search yielded 2,290 studies, of which 41 were included in this review. Adolescent mothers' breastfeeding requirements were grouped into 8 categories: (1) social support from healthcare providers, partners and families; (2) school support for breastfeeding mothers; (3) breastfeeding counselling based on cultural sensitivities; (4) educational assistance from health providers for adolescent mothers' families; (5) changing harmful cultural values and judgments about adolescent mothers' breastfeeding; (6) additional home or outpatient visits in the days following hospital discharge; (7) peer support and counselling; and (8) economic needs. To promote breastfeeding, policymakers and healthcare providers should devise specifically tailored programmes and interventions to cater to the specific requirements of adolescent mothers.

Breastfeeding duration and nutritional status of infants and toddlers in Spain. LAyDI study (PAPenRed).

INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding appears to protect the onset of obesity in infants. The aim is to know whether breastfeeding duration is associated with the risk of obesity in infants and toddlers aged 12 and 24 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study in a cohort of children born in Spain between April 2017 and March 2018 (LAyDI study) in the paediatric primary care system conducted in the framework of the PAPenRed research network. Analysis of breastfeeding duration (group 1: fewer than 6 months; group: more than 6 months) and its association with anthropometric variables. RESULTS: A total of 1495 patients attended the 12 months preventive child health visit and 1073 patients the 24 months visit. We found a statistically significant association between breastfeeding duration and weight-for-age, BMI-for-age and weight-for-length/height at 12 and 24 months; breastfeeding duration of less than 6 months was significantly associated with overweight and obesity (based on BMI-for-age and weight-for-length/height) at ages 12 and 24 months. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI acted as a modifier on the association between breastfeeding duration and overweight and obesity (based on BMI-for-age). CONCLUSIONS: A breastfeeding duration of less than 6 months is associated with a higher percentage of overweight and obesity at ages 12 and 24 months, although maternal pre-pregnancy BMI modifies this relationship at 24 months.

Prediction of delayed breastfeeding initiation among mothers having children less than 2 months of age in East Africa: application of machine learning algorithms.

Background: Delayed breastfeeding initiation is a significant public health concern, and reducing the proportion of delayed breastfeeding initiation in East Africa is a key strategy for lowering the Child Mortality rate. However, there is limited evidence on this public health issue assessed using advanced models. Therefore, this study aimed to assess prediction of delayed initiation of breastfeeding initiation and associated factors among women with less than 2 months of a child in East Africa using the machine learning approach. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) dataset covering the years 2011 to 2021. Using statistical software (Python version 3.11), nine supervised machine learning algorithms were applied to a weighted sample of 31,640 women and assessed using performance measures. To pinpoint significant factors and predict delayed breastfeeding initiation in East Africa, this study also employed the most widely used outlines of Yufeng Guo's steps of supervised machine learning. Results: The pooled prevalence of delayed breastfeeding initiation in East Africa was 31.33% with 95% CI (24.16-38.49). Delayed breastfeeding initiation was highest in Comoros and low in Burundi. Among the nine machine learning algorithms, the random forest model was fitted for this study. The association rule mining result revealed that home delivery, delivered by cesarean section, poor wealth status, poor access to media outlets, women aged between 35 and 49 years, and women who had distance problems accessing health facilities were associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation in East Africa. Conclusion: The prevalence of delayed breastfeeding initiation was high. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of breastfeeding practices and the need to consider socioeconomic, healthcare, and demographic variables when addressing breastfeeding initiation timelines in the region. Policymakers and stakeholders pay attention to the significant factors and we recommend targeted interventions to improve healthcare accessibility, enhance media outreach, and support women of lower socioeconomic status. These measures can encourage timely breastfeeding initiation and address the identified factors contributing to delays across the region.

Association between pregnancy intention and completion of newborn and infant continuum of care in Sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The newborn and infant continuum of care such as essential newborn care, early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, and immunisation are highly recommended for improving the quality of life and survival of infants. However, newborn and infant mortality remains high across Sub-Saharan African countries. While unintended pregnancies are associated with adverse newborn and infant health outcomes, there is inconclusive evidence on whether pregnancy intention influences newborn and infant continuum of care completion. Therefore, this review aimed to pool findings reported in the literature on the association between pregnancy intention and newborn and infant health care across the continuum of care in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE Complete, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and Global Health databases for studies potentially eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Two researchers independently screened the identified articles by abstract and title, and then full-text using Covidence. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of the included studies. The Cochran's Q test and I2 were executed to detect and quantify the presence of statistical heterogeneity in the studies. Meta-analysis was done for each outcome when more than one original study reported relevant data, using Stata statistical software version 18. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included from a total of 235 articles identified by the search. The odds of completing essential newborn care (pooled odds ratio: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.56, 5.90), early initiation of breastfeeding (pooled odds ratio: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.52), exclusive breastfeeding (pooled odds ratio: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.68, 2.89), and being fully immunised (pooled odds ratio: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.16, 6.40) were higher among infants born to women with intended pregnancies as compared to women with unintended pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Intended pregnancy was positively associated with essential newborn care completion, early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, and full immunisation of infants in SSA countries. Thus, policy-makers and stakeholders should strengthen the provision of quality family planning services to prevent unintended pregnancy. Furthermore, follow-up of women with unintended pregnancies is needed to increase women's opportunity to access essential newborn health care services that further reduce the risk of newborn and infant morbidity and mortality. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42023409148.

Psychometric evaluation of the Afaan Oromo version of the exclusive breastfeeding social support scale among Ethiopian women.

PROBLEM: There is a lack of validated tools for assessing social support for Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practice in Ethiopia. BACKGROUND: Validating instruments ensures culturally appropriate and reliable data collection for effective research and interventions. AIM: This study aimed to translate the exclusive breastfeeding social support scale into the Afaan Oromo language (EBFSS-AO) and test its psychometric properties among Ethiopian women. METHODS: The scale was first subjected to forward and backward translation before undergoing psychometric evaluation. Then, a cross-sectional study was conducted on convenience sample of 160 postpartum women. Content validity was assessed via Content Validity Index (CVI), and construct validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with maximum likelihood estimation. The scale's reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). FINDINGS: The CFA verified that the EBFSS-AO for Ethiopian women is a three-dimensional scale with satisfactory fit indices; x2/df: 2.76; Comparative fit index: 0.917; Tucker-Lewis Index: 0.902; Standardized Root Mean square residual: 0.061; and Root mean square error of approximation: 0.105. Item-level CVI ranged from 0.86 to 1.00, and scale-level CVI was 0.98. The overall scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95 while instrumental, emotional, and informational support subscales had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89, 0.92, and 0.93 respectively. After a 4-week re-test, the ICC yielded a value of 0.94. Partner support on EBF showed no socio-demographic differences except for income. CONCLUSION: The EBFSS-AO showed satisfactory psychometric properties, suitable for assessing social support among Ethiopian women in both research and clinical contexts.

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months in Nepal: multilevel analysis of nationally representative household survey data.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) have been universally documented, with evidence of positive impacts on a child's optimal growth, development, and survival. However, EBF practices in Nepal have fluctuated and declined over the last 25 years. In addition to the individual factors of mothers and infants, EBF practices are affected by multiple community-level factors. Understanding these factors is essential for designing breastfeeding promotion programs to improve child nutritional status in Nepal. This study investigated the individual- and community-level determinants of EBF practices among young infants aged 0-5 months in Nepal. METHOD: We used the dataset from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022. Information on EBF in the past 24 h was available for 540 infants aged 0-5 months. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify individual- and community-level factors associated with EBF among infants aged 0-5 months in Nepal. RESULTS: The 24-hour prevalence of EBF among infants aged 0-5 months was 57.46% (95% confidence interval (CI): 52.18, 62.57). The infant's age was inversely associated with EBF prevalence at the individual level. Compared with infants aged < 1 month, infants aged three months (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.40), four months (AOR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.28), and five months (AOR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.20) were less likely to receive EBF. At the community level, community-level variables such as ≥ 4 ANC visits coverage, maternal employment status, and poverty level were generated by aggregating the individual characteristics in a cluster and were categorized using quartiles into low ("< 25%"), moderate (25-75%), and high (≥ 75%). Mothers from communities with moderate ≥ 4 ANC visits (AOR: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.65, 6.57) and high ≥ 4 ANC visits (AOR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.40, 5.22) coverage had higher odds of EBF practices than did those from communities with low ≥ 4 ANC visits coverage. Similarly, communities with moderate (AOR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.34, 5.30) and high (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.10, 4.99) levels of maternal employment status and moderate levels of poverty (AOR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.28) were associated with a higher likelihood of EBF practices. Subnational level variation was evident, with infants in Lumbini province having lower odds of EBF (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.77) relative to Koshi province. Approximately 9% of the variation in EBF practices was observed among mothers while mapping across clusters in this study. CONCLUSION: Various individual- and community-level factors influence the uptake of EBF in Nepal, underscoring the need to improve the approaches and strategies of EBF programs. This study highlighted the significant association of community-level factors (≥ 4 ANC visits coverage, poverty level, and maternal employment status) with EBF among infants under 6 months. It revealed approximately 9% variability in EBF across clusters. Future efforts to promote EBF should focus on older infants and communities with low poverty levels and low coverage of recommended ≥ 4 ANC visits. Furthermore, context-specific adaptation of such efforts might be required considering the variation observed between the communities in the present study.

Predictors of effective kangaroo mother care, exclusive breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin contact among low birthweight newborns in Amhara, Ethiopia.

Background: Globally, 20% of all newborns are born with low birth weight (LBW). There is, therefore, an urgent need to expedite the delivery of high-impact, evidenced-based, and low-cost interventions such as kangaroo mother care (KMC (defined as continuous skin-to-skin care) and exclusive breastfeeding for this vulnerable group. Methods: A multinational World Health Organization (WHO)-supported consortium created and tested the impact of locally-specific and globally-informed phases of KMC care on KMC uptake/scale-up across multiple sites. Here we report on the study of KMC predictors that is nested within Amhara's KMC implementation trial in Amhara, Ethiopia. We used multivariate logistic regression phases to identify diverse predictors of KMC, skin-to-skin contact, and exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge and day 28 of life. Results: We analysed data from 860 LBW newborns. At day 28, implementation period (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.2-5.0), hospital facility (aOR = 3.0-4.6), and having multiple births (aOR = 0.31) were the strongest predictors of effective KMC. Meanwhile, previous death of a newborn, type of health facility where delivery occurred, and previous LBW delivery were predictors of effective KMC at both time points. No single factor predicted KMC, skin-to-skin contact, and exclusive breastfeeding at all time points and across all implementation periods. Having multiple births was a negative predictor for skin-to-skin contact, while the implementation period and having older fathers (>29 years) were strong positive predictors for exclusive breastfeeding at both discharge and day 28. Mothers with a previous history of neonatal death and current skin-to-skin-care uptake strongly predicted exclusive breastfeeding uptake at both time points. At discharge, however, having a history of preterm birth and neonatal death strongly predicted exclusive breastfeeding uptake, while multiple current births, current very LBW newborns, and the use of standard binders decreased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: To achieve the effective KMC coverage target of ≥80% in Ethiopia, KMC scale-up phases may have to consider the key predictors of KMC, EBF, and SSC to effectively target beneficiaries.

The impact of exclusive breastfeeding on breastfeeding duration.

BACKGROUND: While breastfeeding is globally recommended, its duration still represents a public health issue. AIM: To examine the association between the period of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and the duration of overall human milk nutrition, and to identify determinants associated with the duration of EBF and overall human milk nutrition length. STUDY DESIGN: The presented study is a cross-sectional study. A total of 209 healthy Polish women of Caucasian origin, aged 19-42 years, who were the mother of a child aged 3-12 months, were enrolled in the study. Data were collected from 2018 to 2020 using an anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses included one way ANOVA and liner regression. RESULTS: After birth almost all newborns were exclusively breastfed (96.7 %), but the supply of mother's milk declined as the children's ages increased. The duration of breastfeeding is strongly associated with EBF, especially until the child is six months old (p < 0.001). Mother's breastfeeding self-efficiency and her will for breastfeeding, comfortable latch, younger infant age, avoiding of a pacifier and excluding additional food may explain 36 % of variation of EBF duration (p < 0.001) and could be useful information for exclusive breastfeeding support. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of exclusive breastfeeding strongly affects overall breastfeeding duration. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, rather than of overall breast milk supply, is crucial.

Effect of mothers' health literacy on early childhood allergy prevention behaviours: results from the KUNO-Kids health study.

BACKGROUND: Parents can engage in several behaviours with regard to early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP). These can be related to diet of mother/child and the modification of the home environment; not all of them are justified by current evidence. Previous studies showed that parental health literacy (HL) is related to favourable health behaviours directed at the child. This study aimed to investigate the causal effect of mothers' HL on ECAP behaviours and to test different moderators of this effect. METHODS: One thousand six hundred sixty-two mothers participating in the KUNO-Kids health study in the area of Regensburg, Germany were surveyed on HL (assessed via the health care scale of the Health Literacy Survey-EU questionnaire, HLS-EU-Q47) and ECAP behaviours implemented during pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Patterns in ECAP behaviours were identified by latent class analysis. Multinomial regression modelling was performed with HL as exposure, ECAP as outcome variable, allergy risk, parental competence and bonding, anxiety and depression as moderators as well as potentially confounding variables. RESULTS: We identified three classes of ECAP behaviours (class 1: "breastfeeding " N = 871; class 2: "allergen-avoidance " N = 490; class 3: "mixed behaviours " N = 301). In univariable as well as fully adjusted regression models, compared to class 1, class 2 was negatively, and class 3 was not associated with HL. None of the tested moderating variables altered the association between HL and ECAP significantly. CONCLUSIONS: We found an effect of mothers' HL on ECAP behaviours: lower HL of mothers increased allergen-avoiding behaviour directed at their child, while decreasing the chance of exclusive breastfeeding. Improving HL could contribute to the implementation of recommended ECAP behaviours in families, especially to the reduction of allergen-avoiding behaviours.

Desigualdad en las prácticas de lactancia y alimentación complementaria en la Argentina, según nivel de ingresos del hogar en 2018-19 / Inequality in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in Argentina by household income level in 2018­2019

Introducción. La calidad de la alimentación es un derecho vinculado con la supervivencia, el crecimiento saludable, la prevención de enfermedades crónicas y malnutrición en todas sus formas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las prácticas de lactancia y de alimentación de menores de 2 años de áreas urbanas de la Argentina en 2018-19, según el nivel de ingreso de los hogares. Población y métodos. Estudio secundario con datos de la 2da. Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud 2018-19. Se analizaron indicadores de lactancia y alimentación complementaria, según metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y Unicef. Se estratificó según nivel de ingresos del hogar. Resultados. El análisis incluyó 5763 menores de 24 meses. Aunque el 97 % fue alguna vez amamantado, solo el 47 % de los menores de 6 meses tuvo lactancia exclusiva el día previo y el 48 % mantenía la lactancia luego del año, con mayor prevalencia en los niños/as de menores ingresos. En el día previo, el 23 % de los niños/as de 6 a 23 meses no consumió ninguna verdura o fruta; el 60 % consumió alimentos no saludables y el 50 %, bebidas dulces. Las bebidas dulces y la ausencia de frutas y verduras fueron mayores en aquellos de hogares de menores ingresos. Conclusión. La calidad de la alimentación de los niños/as dista de las recomendaciones y está condicionada por los ingresos. En los sectores empobrecidos, es menor el inicio temprano de la lactancia, la diversidad alimentaria mínima y el consumo de frutas y verduras, y es mayor el consumo de bebidas dulces.

Introduction. Diet quality is a right related to survival, healthy growth, prevention of chronic diseases, and malnutrition in all its forms. The objective of this study was to analyze breastfeeding and feeding practices in children younger than 2 years from urban areas of Argentina in 2018­2019 according to their household income level. Population and methods. Secondary analysis of data of the Second National Survey on Nutrition and Health (ENNyS2) of 2018­2019. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) were analized. Data were stratified by household income level. Results. The analysis included 5763 children younger than 24 months old. Although 97% was ever breastfed, only 47% of infants younger than 6 months were exclusively breastfed the previous day and 48% continued with breastfeeding after 1 year old, with a higher prevalence in low-income children. The previous day, 23% of children aged 6 to 23 months did not eat any fruit or vegetable, 60% consumed unhealthy foods, and 50% consumed sweet beverages. The consumption of sweet beverages and the absence of fruit and vegetables were higher in low-income households. Conclusion. The quality of children's diet is far from the recommendations and is conditioned by income. Early initiation of breastfeeding, minimum dietary diversity, fruit and vegetable consumption are lower and sweet beverage consumption is greater in impoverished sectors.

Fraction of cancers attributable to and prevented by reproductive factors and exogenous hormones use in Italy.

OBJECTIVE: Endogenous and exogenous hormonal factors have been associated with female breast, genital, and colorectal cancer risk. The aim of the present study is to conduct an evidence-based evaluation of the fraction of cancers attributable to and prevented by exogenous hormonal (i.e., combined oral contraceptives [COC] and combined estrogen-progestogen menopausal therapy [CEPMT]) and reproductive factors (i.e., parity and breastfeeding) in Italy. STUDY DESIGN: We calculated the population attributable and prevented fractions combining relative risks and prevalence of exposure in Italian women. Italian cancer incidence and mortality data were extracted from national sources and used to estimate the number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to reproductive factors and exogenous hormones in Italy in 2020. For long-term effects, a 20-year latency period was considered. RESULTS: COC were responsible for 4.4 % of breast and 10.9 % of cervical cancers in women aged 15-44, but also avoided 6.4 % of endometrial, 5.6 % of ovarian, and 2.9 % of colorectal cancers in women of all ages. Overall, COC use prevented 1174 cancer diagnoses and 577 cancer deaths. CEPMT caused 0.4 % of breast cancers at age 45-69. Low parity accounted for 8.1 %, 11.8 % and 15.5 % of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, respectively (6267 cases, 1796 deaths). Breastfeeding avoided 6.4 % of breast cancers (3775 cases, 897 deaths). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis quantified the complex effects of hormonal and reproductive factors on cancer burden in Italian women.

Direct breastfeeding: Predictive factors and possible effects on neurodevelopment in very preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: the importance of sucking milk directly at the mother's breast is often underestimated and many aspects of direct breastfeeding of very preterm infants are not investigated. AIM: The primary endpoint of the study was to identify maternal and infant clinical predictors of direct breastfeeding in a cohort of infants born at <32 weeks of gestation or weighing <1500 g. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the possible effects of direct breastfeeding on infant neurodevelopment. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-two infants born between July 2018 and December 2019 were divided into the subgroup that were directly breastfed (n = 42) and not directly breastfed (n = 30) at discharge. Maternal and infant characteristics were compared, and differences were analysed. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the percentage of maternal milk taken during hospitalization, maternal age, and weight (z-score) at discharge were positively correlated with the likelihood of direct breastfeeding at discharge. Direct breastfeeding was not correlated with the cognitive score at 24 months corrected age. CONCLUSIONS: Direct breastfeeding at discharge is more probable in infants of older mothers who receive more breastmilk and who experience greater weight gain. Direct breastfeeding is not correlated with the cognitive score at 24 months corrected age.

A Comparison of Infant Feeding Practices in South Asian-Born Mothers and Australian-Born Mothers Living in Australia.

South Asian infants and children have a higher predisposition to central adiposity, increasing their risk of metabolic diseases in childhood. Infant feeding practices are a key factor in reducing the risk of obesity in children. The current study aimed to compare infant feeding practices of South Asian-born mothers to Australin-born mothers. The 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey data were used to compare infant feeding practices between South Asian-born mothers and Australian-born mothers with children aged up to 2 years. Chi-square and t-tests were conducted, as well as regression models, with adjustment for covariates, to assess individual infant feeding practices between the two groups. A total of 298 South Asian-born mothers and 294 Australian-born mothers were included. The age at which a child stopped receiving breast milk was lower among Australian-born mothers (3 months) compared with South Asian-born mothers (5 months, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of South Asian-born mothers reported that solids were introduced at or after 6 months of age compared to Australian-born mothers (86% vs. 69%, p < 0.001, respectively). South Asian-born mothers were engaging in some health-promoting infant feeding practices compared to Australian-born mothers; however, they were not meeting the infant feeding guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding and the introduction of solids. Further research is needed to better understand factors influencing infant feeding practices in South Asian-born immigrant mothers in Australia to determine whether culturally tailored interventions are needed to help these women achieve optimal feeding practices for their infants.

Spatial distribution and determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers of children under 24 months of age in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk is the first, highly valuable, and solely natural food recommended for infants in their first six months of life, which is critical for children's overall growth and development. Evidence suggests that exclusive breastfeeding differs by geographic area in Ethiopia. However, little is known regarding the geographic distribution of exclusive breastfeeding practice. Hence, this study aimed to assess exclusive breastfeeding practice, its geographic variation and associated factors among Ethiopian mothers. METHOD: The study used the 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey data. All living children born 0-23 months before the survey were included. Global Moran's I statistics on Arc-GIS and Getis Ord Gi* statistics was used to visualize the spatial pattern and hotspot and cold spot areas, respectively. Kulldorff SaTScan was used to show purely significant spatial clusters. The associated factors were identified using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Statistically significant factors were reported using the AOR with a 95% CI and a p-value of < 5%. RESULT: The coverage of exclusive breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia was 56.05% (95% CI: 53.95%, 58.10%). The spatial pattern was non-random across the country's regions. Somalia, Gambela, Benshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa, and Harari regions had low clustering of exclusive breastfeeding practices, whereas Amhara, Eastern SNNPR, and Central and Northern Oromia regions had high clustering. Children born through caesarean delivery [AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.63], initiated breastfeeding within the first 1 h [AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.90], after 1-24 h of delivery [AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.54], after a day [AOR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08], and women residing in the pastoralist region [AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.39] or city administrations [AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.89] had lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding practice. CONCLUSION: Exclusive breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia remained low. The practice had a spatial variation across the country. Caesarean section delivery, late breastfeeding initiation, and region were statistically significant variables. Therefore, promoting timely initiation of breastfeeding and improving the utilization of maternal health services and designing special intervention strategy for women residing in city administrations and pastoralist regions of the country may increase the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding practice.

Intimate Partner Violence and Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Canadian Women: An Exploratory Correlational Study.

PURPOSE: Human breastmilk is the optimal nutrition for infants; however, preliminary research suggests that women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Self-efficacy is a known facilitator to achieve positive breastfeeding outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between experiencing IPV and breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and self-efficacy for Canadian mothers, and to identify potential variables that influence breastfeeding decision-making among women with experiences of IPV. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of surveys completed by 129 mothers with children under the age of 2 years from Ontario, Canada. Data were stratified according to those who had experienced IPV and those who had not. Breastfeeding outcomes assessed included breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. Non-parametric tests and correlations were used to determine if relationships existed between IPV and breastfeeding outcomes. RESULTS: 72.3% (n = 94) of women in this sample breastfed their child(ren). Experiencing IPV was associated with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy scores (W = 768, p = 0.055) with a moderate effect size (r = 0.32 [95% 0.06,0.55]). This relationship was significant in the context of psychological abuse (W = 816.5, p = 0.015) with a small effect size (r = 0.22 [95% 0.03,0.41]). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel preliminary evidence suggesting that experiencing IPV of any type can negatively impact breastfeeding self-efficacy, with psychological abuse potentially being the most detrimental. Future research is required to build upon these findings.

Maternal Work and Infant Feeding Practices in the First 6 Months.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal work and infant feeding practices and explore the moderating impact of parental stress. METHODS: Prospective data on categorical hours worked and infant feeding practices were collected at 3 and 6 months postpartum in a prospective prenatal cohort of 95 women. Chi-square tests were used to compare change in proportion of exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months and maternal work status. RESULTS: Rates of exclusive breastfeeding significantly decreased from birth to 6 months, while the percent of mothers working outside of the home significantly increased from 3 to 6 months. At 6 months, mothers who worked full time pumped significantly more than their non-working counterparts. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the prediction of exclusive breastfeeding by maternal work, including sociodemographic covariates, and the moderating impact of parental stress. Results indicated that maternal education, paternal education, and maternal work significantly predicted exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Full time work (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.62) was associated with a decreased odds of exclusive breastfeeding. Additionally, higher maternal (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.97) and paternal (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.66) education was associated with an increased odds of exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal stress did not predict exclusive breastfeeding, nor did it have a moderating effect on the relationship between maternal work and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future studies should investigate maternal work in more diverse birthing populations to better understand how families can incorporate breastfeeding as a primary infant feeding practice.

Use of drama for improving breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy among rural pregnant women from selected communities in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) is a key variable that enhances exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and promotes positive health outcomes for infants and their mothers. To increase BFSE and EBF of mothers, numerous interventions targeting prenatal and postnatal periods have been developed. However, there is paucity of studies utilizing drama interventions for improving BFSE and EBF. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effect of a drama intervention on BFSE, initiation, and EBF of pregnant women in rural communities in Lagelu and Egbeda Local Government Areas (LGAs), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with pregnant women in their second trimester. Selected communities from Lagelu and Egbeda LGAs were randomized into experimental and control groups. A total of 200 pregnant women (100 experimental and 100 control groups) were enlisted and followed-up at one, three and six months postnatal periods. A six-session programme comprising four episodes of drama and two sessions on hygiene practices were presented to experimental groups prior to delivery, while the control group received health talk on hygiene practices. Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (ODK) was used to obtain information on socio-demographic, BFSE, initiation, and EBF at prenatal and postnatal periods. BSFE scores were categorized as low (14-32), average (33-51), and high (52-70). Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze data at α0.05. RESULTS: Mean ages of women were 28.4 ±6.5 and 27.0±6.2years in experimental and control groups respectively. Average and high BFSE pre-intervention (11.0%; 89.0% and 9.0%; 91.0%) and six months post-intervention (97.3%;100% and 95.2%; 95%) for experimental and control groups. Age, marital status, and occupation were predictors of BFSE, breastfeeding initiation and EBF at (R2 = 22.3; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The experimental group had an increase in BFSE, initiation, and EBF practice compared to control group. The use of drama intervention is recommended for effective breastfeeding practices.