Factors associated with early weaning at a Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative Hospital

Authors

  • Ruthinéia Lins State University of Paraiba
  • Ana Oliveira Federal University of Minas Gerais
  • Saul Paiva Federal University of Minas Gerais
  • Raulisson Sousa State University of Paraiba
  • Veruska Martins State University of Paraiba
  • Maria Suênia Silva State University of Paraiba
  • Jainara Ferreira University Center of João Pessoa – UNIPE
  • Valdenice Menezes State University of Pernambuco

Keywords:

Breastfeeding, risk factors, early weaning

Abstract

Purpose: Considering the benefits of breastfeeding on children’s health, the aim of the present study was to determine factors associated with early weaning among children at a Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative (CFHI) children’s hospital in the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, Brazil. Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out involving 800 mothers of children between 0 and 24 months of age at the Elpídio de Almeida Health Institute. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered and contained questions on socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits and nonnutritive sucking habits. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were employed for statistical analysis. A multivariate analysis was performed with variables that achieved a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis. Results: The prevalence of early weaning was 13.5%. In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with early weaning were income (P = 0.001), child’s birth weight (P = 0.016), bottle feeding (P = 0.003) and pacifier use (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, pacifier use remained significantly associated with early weaning (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.871 to 5.591; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Pacifier use was associated with early weaning, even when mothers were advised to avoid this habit.

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Published

2012-08-08

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Section

Original Article