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Gayesa RT, Xie YJ, Ngai FW. Psychometric evaluation of the Afaan Oromo version of the exclusive breastfeeding social support scale among Ethiopian women. Midwifery 2024; 138:104154. [PMID: 39217913 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reta Tsegaye Gayesa
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Ethiopia
| | - Yao Jie Xie
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Fei Wan Ngai
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
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Duchsherer A, Platt CA, Haak J, Earle K. How Resources Combining Expertise and Social Support Help Breastfeeding Women Address Self-Doubt and Increase Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Mixed-Methods Study. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37963882 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2281077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Existing research on parental information literacy focuses on parents' ability to evaluate information. This approach does not account for conflicting or unwanted information and obscures the emotional impact of unsought information. We aimed to (1) document the sources women use most frequently for accessing breastfeeding information, (2) explore the reasons women choose some sources over others, (3) test the relationship between source characteristics and breastfeeding self-efficacy, and (4) determine the extent to which four source characteristics - competence, trustworthiness, goodwill, and social support - predict breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase consisted of interviews and focus groups, which we analyzed inductively using a grounded theory approach. In phase two, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of women who were currently breastfeeding, collecting data on the source credibility and social support associated with the source they use most frequently and the participants' breastfeeding self-efficacy. We used multiple regression to analyze our survey data. The frequency with which our participants encountered conflicting and unsought prompted them to view sources that combine expertise and social support as ideal. However, these sources are often difficult to access, leading to a reliance on online sources. This compromise has implications for breastfeeding tenure, as both competence and social support predicted breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study demonstrates how emotional aspects of information seeking shape women's preferred sources, how accessibility limits the use of preferred sources, and how source competence and social support influence breastfeeding self-efficacy.
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Mashayekh-Amiri S, Hosseinzadeh M, Jafarabadi MA, Soltani S, Mirghafourvand M. Examining psychometric properties of the Iranian version of exclusive breastfeeding social support scale (EBFSS). BMC Psychol 2023; 11:234. [PMID: 37587499 PMCID: PMC10433609 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is undeniably proven significant in mothers' health and infants' growth and survival. Its persistence has many familial, social, and economical benefits. Social support is known to be an effective factor in EBF's success and sustainability. However, Exclusive breastfeeding social support (EBFSS) scale validity and reliability is not evaluated in Iran. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of EBFSS during postpartum period in Tabriz city, Iran. METHODS It is a cross-sectional study with descriptive survey method performed between March 2021 and August 2022. Psychometric properties were determined for the Persian version of EBFSS in six stages: translation process, evaluating content validity, face validity, construct validity, discriminant validity, and reliability. A group of experts (n = 10), followed by a group of women with EBF (n = 10), evaluated the instrument's items based on content and face validities, respectively. A cross-sectional study using the multi-stage cluster random sampling method on 348 women with EBF in the first four months after delivery was conducted to determine the construct validity. The internal consistency and repeatability (test-retest on 30 women, 2 weeks apart) were used to find out the reliability. RESULTS Content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI), and impact score were 0.98, 0.98, and 3.54 for EBFSS, respectively. This indicates a good content and face validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on 16 items to examine the construct validity identified emotional, instrumental, and informational factors. These factors explained 59.26% of the cumulative variance. The fit indices (CFI = 0.98، TLI = 0.95، χ2/df = 4.20، RMSEA = 0.07 and SRMSEA = 0.05) confirmed the validity of the model in a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The internal consistency was examined through Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients that were 0.90 and 0.92, respectively. Finally, Repeatability and reproducibility were found 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99) using Intra-class correlation. This shows an appropriate reliability of the instrument. CONCLUSIONS The research findings indicate that the Persian version of the EBFSS has appropriate psychometric properties for evaluating the social support in Iranian women with EBF. This means healthcare providers can use it for screening social support in EBF. Researchers also can use it as a valid instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mashayekh-Amiri
- Students Research Committee, Midwifery Department, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mina Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
- Cabrini Research, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3144, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Soltani
- Students Research Committee, Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojgan Mirghafourvand
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Menopause Andropause Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Isiguzo C, Mendez DD, Demirci JR, Youk A, Mendez G, Davis EM, Documet P. Stress, social support, and racial differences: Dominant drivers of exclusive breastfeeding. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19:e13459. [PMID: 36411512 PMCID: PMC10019056 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for 6 months; however, many childbearing people wean their infants before 6 months. Psychosocial factors such as stress, social support and race are significant determinants of breastfeeding; however, few studies have longitudinally explored the effect of perceived stress and various forms of social support on exclusive breastfeeding. We used quantitative methodologies to examine exclusive breastfeeding, perceived stress and social support among 251 participants from the Postpartum Mothers Mobile Study. Participants between 18 and 44 years were recruited during pregnancy (irrespective of parity) and completed surveys in real-time via Ecological Momentary Assessment up to 12 months postpartum from December 2017 to August 2021. We measured perceived stress with the adapted Perceived Stress Scale and perceived social support with the Multi-dimensional Social Support Scale. Received social support was measured using a single question on breastfeeding support. We conducted a mixed-effects logistic regression to determine the effect of stress, race and social support on exclusive breastfeeding over 6 months. We examined the moderation effect of perceived social support and breastfeeding support in the relationship between perceived stress and exclusive breastfeeding. Black, compared with White, participants were less likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Participants who reported higher perceived stress were less likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Perceived social support moderated the relationship between perceived stress and exclusive breastfeeding (odds ratio: 0.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.001-0.072). However, breastfeeding support directly increased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding over 6 months. Perceived stress is negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Birthing people who intend to breastfeed may benefit from perinatal support programs that include components to buffer stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinwoke Isiguzo
- Behavioral and Community Health SciencesUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dara D. Mendez
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jill R. Demirci
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of NursingUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ada Youk
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public HealthUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Gabriella Mendez
- Behavioral and Community Health SciencesUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Orthopedic Foot and Ankle CenterWorthingtonOhioUSA
| | - Esa M. Davis
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Patricia Documet
- Behavioral and Community Health SciencesUniversity of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public HealthPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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Honda H, Kita T. Social prescription for isolated parenting in Japan: Socioeconomic characteristics of mothers with weak social connectivity in their community. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e1815-e1823. [PMID: 34661947 PMCID: PMC9543771 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The social connection of mothers is important for the sound development of children and the prevention of child maltreatment. Understanding the attributes of mothers at risk of isolation enables community workers to support vulnerable mothers. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the socioeconomic predictors of isolation risk for mothers and was conducted in Japan between December 2018 and February 2019. The self-administered questionnaire included the Social Connectivity of Mother Scale along with maternal age, marital status, employment status, education, number of children, years of child-rearing experience, whether childcare or kindergarten was used, family structure, years of residence, housing type, family finances, and level of neighbourhood interactions. There were 510 valid responses (51.6%). In the multiple regression analysis, five socioeconomic characteristics were associated with mothers' low social connectivity: the standardised coefficient of the maternal age of 20-24 was -0.12 (p = 0.004), lack of childcare or kindergarten usage, -0.09 (p = 0.032), and poor family finances, -0.09 (p = 0.031); mothers' perception of neighbourhood interactions was found to be poor at -0.29 (p < 0.001). The model did not take into account the effects of family finances, and the scores were low when the highest level of education of the mother was junior high or high school. Mothers' perception of neighbourhood interactions was a significant predictor of isolation risk, along with maternal age, education level, and financial comfort. Our findings give policymakers, community workers, and community leaders an insight into the importance of cultivating interactions among neighbourhood communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Honda
- School of NursingSapporo City UniversitySapporoJapan
| | - Toshiko Kita
- School of NursingSapporo City UniversitySapporoJapan
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Al-Nawaiseh FK, Al-Jaghbir MT, Al-Assaf MS, Al-Nawaiseh HK, Alzoubi MM. Breastfeeding initiation and duration and acute otitis media among children less than two years of age in Jordan: results from a case-control study. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:370. [PMID: 35764971 PMCID: PMC9238244 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common infectious diseases that affects children. Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of AOM in the first three years of childhood. The aim of this study was to identify the association between exclusive breastfeeding and the development of acute otitis media (AOM) and investigate the influence of breastfeeding duration on the presence of AOM. METHODS In a retrospective case-control study, a sample of 98 children (cases) who were diagnosed with AOM and 98 children (controls) who were not diagnosed with AOM and were younger than two years old were selected from the Jordan University Hospital. Medical records were used to identify children with AOM. For both the case and control groups, the children's mothers completed a self-administered questionnaire about factors linked to the incidence of AOM.The type of feeding and the duration of breastfeeding were assessed using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS The data indicated that among children who developed AOM, 23.5%were artificiallyfed, while 22.4% and 13.3% were exclusively breastfed for 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Approximately 70.7% of the children without AOM were exclusively breastfed for 6 months, compared with only 29.3% of the children without AOM who were exclusively breastfed for 3 months.Logistic regression revealed that nonexclusive breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months, and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months were protective factors against AOM (OR = 0.23, 0.18, and 0.25, respectively; P < 0.05). A short duration of exclusive breastfeeding was considered a risk factor for the development of AOM (OR = 1.7, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The escalation of AOM is tightly connected to the early introduction of formula feeding in the first six months of life. Breastfeeding had a protective impact on the occurrence of AOM. Understanding factors that are associated with the occurrence of AOM in children may support the role of public health institutions and primary health care in the prevention and reduction of AOM episodes and the need for national health strategies to promote breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furat K Al-Nawaiseh
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Madi T Al-Jaghbir
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad S Al-Assaf
- Department of Ears, Nose and Throat, King Hussein Medical Centre (KHMC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Hala K Al-Nawaiseh
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Majdi M Alzoubi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Keim SA, Tchaconas A, Ford JB, Nickel NC, Heffern D, Adesman A. Health care provider support and factors associated with breastfeeding beyond infancy: A cross-national study. Birth 2022; 49:233-242. [PMID: 34535910 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding beyond infancy (12 months) remains atypical in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and the role of health care providers is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare women's perceptions of provider support and other factors affecting breastfeeding beyond infancy across countries, among women who had each successfully breastfed at least one child that long. METHODS Women completed an online questionnaire distributed via La Leche League, USA (2013), about sources and ratings of support for breastfeeding for their oldest child who was breastfed at least 12 months and participant demographics. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to compare ratings of health care provider support and the importance of 13 factors by country. RESULTS Some similarities and many differences were observed across countries in support received from providers, whereas modest or no differences were observed in the importance women placed on factors like health benefits and enjoyment of breastfeeding. Of 59 581 women, less than half discussed their decision to breastfeed beyond infancy with their child's provider. United Kingdom women rated their comfort in discussing breastfeeding beyond 12 months with their providers and the support received as lower than United States women. Canadian women gave lower ratings than United States women, but inconsistently. Australian women rarely differed from United States women in their responses. Providers' recommendations were not important to the decision to breastfeed beyond infancy, especially for United Kingdom women. DISCUSSION Rates of breastfeeding beyond infancy are low in these countries; improving provider support may help achieve global breastfeeding goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Keim
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alexis Tchaconas
- Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New York, USA
| | - Jane B Ford
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, The University of Sydney Northern Clinical School, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan C Nickel
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Adesman
- Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New York, USA.,Pediatrics, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
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West R, DiMeo A, Langer A, Shah N, Molina RL. Addressing Racial/Ethnic Inequities in Maternal Health Through Community-Based Social Support Services: A Mixed Methods Study. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:708-718. [PMID: 34982340 PMCID: PMC8724658 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03363-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In the US, there are striking inequities in maternal health outcomes between racial and ethnic groups. Community-based organizations (CBOs) provide social support services that are critical in addressing the needs of clients of color during and after pregnancy. Methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional mixed methods study of CBOs in Greater Boston that provide social support services to pregnant and postpartum clients. In May–August 2020, we administered an online survey about organizational characteristics, client population, and services offered. In July–August 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews focused on services provided, gaps in services, and the impact of structural racism on clients. We used descriptive statistics to characterize CBOs and services and used thematic analysis to extract themes from the qualitative data. Results A total of 21 unique CBOs participated with 17 CBOs completing the survey and 14 participating in interviews. CBOs served between 10 and 35,000 pregnant and postpartum clients per year (median = 200), and about half (n = 8) focused their programming on pregnant and postpartum clients. The most significant gaps in social support services were housing and childcare. Respondents identified racism and lack of coordination among organizations as the two primary barriers to accessing social support. Discussion CBOs face multiple challenges to providing social support to pregnant and postpartum clients of color, and significant gaps exist in the types of services currently provided. Improved coordination among CBOs and advocacy efforts to develop community-informed solutions are needed to reduce barriers to social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca West
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Amanda DiMeo
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ana Langer
- Women and Health Initiative, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Neel Shah
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Rose L. Molina
- Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
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Edelblute HB, Altman CE. The Interaction and Impact of Social Support and Father Absence on Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med 2021; 16:629-634. [PMID: 33913762 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2020.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Behaviors related to early childhood nutrition are influenced by a mother's social environment. In many low- and middle-income countries, breastfeeding rates have steadily declined. At the same time, many communities have a history of domestic or international migration that affects the family support systems for women and children remaining in these communities. While social support has been shown to be important to health behaviors conducive to maternal and child health, scant research examines whether social support moderates the impact of an absent father on breastfeeding. Objective: We aim to assess the relationship between father absence and breastfeeding duration and test whether social support moderates the impact of father absence on breastfeeding duration. Methods: We use data from the Social Networks and Health Information Survey (n = 292), a random household survey conducted in a municipality in Guanajuato, Mexico, to estimate Poisson regression models of breastfeeding duration. Results: In multivariate models, an absent father is negatively associated with breastfeeding, whereas social support is positively associated. A significant and positive interaction between father absence and social support suggests that at high levels of support, breastfeeding duration for women with absent fathers does not appear to be meaningfully different from women with present fathers. This suggests that receiving high levels of social support during pregnancy may mitigate the absence of the child's father. Conclusions: Social support interventions for mothers of infants should target mothers and children in households without a father. More research should also be directed at understanding how social support processes during pregnancy can affect breastfeeding in other low- and middle-income countries with high rates of emigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Edelblute
- Department of Health, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Claire E Altman
- Department of Health, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Fry HL, Levin O, Kholina K, Bianco JL, Gallant J, Chan K, Whitfield KC. Infant feeding experiences and concerns among caregivers early in the COVID-19 State of Emergency in Nova Scotia, Canada. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17:e13154. [PMID: 33619906 PMCID: PMC7995067 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The global emergency caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted access to goods and services such as health care and social supports, but the impact on infant feeding remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore how caregivers of infants under 6 months of age perceived changes to infant feeding and other food and health-related matters during the COVID-19 State of Emergency in Nova Scotia, Canada. Four weeks after the State of Emergency began, between 17 April and 15 May 2020, caregivers completed this online survey, including the Perceived Stress Scale. Participants (n = 335) were 99% female and mostly White (87%). Over half (60%) were breastfeeding, and 71% had a household income over CAD$60,000. Most participants (77%) received governmental parental benefits before the emergency, and 59% experienced no COVID-19-related economic changes. Over three quarters of participants (77%) scored moderate levels of perceived stress. Common themes of concern included social isolation, COVID-19 infection (both caregiver and infant), and a lack of access to goods, namely, human milk substitutes ('infant formula'), and services, including health care, lactation support, and social supports. Most COVID-19-related information was sought from the internet and social media, so for broad reach, future evidence-based information should be shared via online platforms. Although participants were experiencing moderate self-perceived stress and shared numerous concerns, very few COVID-19-related changes to infant feeding were reported, and there were few differences by socio-economic status, likely due to a strong economic safety net in this Canadian setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary L. Fry
- Department of Applied Human NutritionMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Olga Levin
- Department of Applied Human NutritionMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Ksenia Kholina
- Department of Applied Human NutritionMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Jolene L. Bianco
- Department of Applied Human NutritionMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Jelisa Gallant
- Department of Applied Human NutritionMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Kathleen Chan
- Department of Applied Human NutritionMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Kyly C. Whitfield
- Department of Applied Human NutritionMount Saint Vincent UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
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Dieterich R, Chang J, Danford C, Scott PW, Wend C, Demirci J. She "didn't see my weight; she saw me, a mom who needed help breastfeeding": Perceptions of perinatal weight stigma and its relationship with breastfeeding experiences. J Health Psychol 2021; 27:1027-1038. [PMID: 33445978 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320988325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Weight stigmatization is related to emotional and psychological distress including low self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety; all linked with suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes. This qualitative descriptive study explored postpartum individuals' recalled experiences of weight stigma during interactions with perinatal healthcare professionals and its perceived influence on their breastfeeding experiences. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with (n= 18) participants. Three themes emerged: (1) "Size Doesn't Matter: They Looked Beyond the Scale," (2) "My Self-Confidence and Desire to Breastfeed is More Important than Weight," and (3) "I Was on My Own"-Limited Social Support not Weight Stigma Influenced Breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judy Chang
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, USA
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Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Exclusive Breastfeeding among Women in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16122118. [PMID: 31207988 PMCID: PMC6617343 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of women about breastfeeding in Italy. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out between January and June 2016 in the Campania Region among mothers who were going to six public vaccination centers. Data were collected by two researchers through face to face interviews. RESULTS Two thirds of the women had heard on exclusive breastfeeding (64.6%) and the 71% of them knew that exclusive breastfeeding should be practiced for at least six months. Nearly all mothers had breastfed their child (93.2%), but only 33.3% of them had practiced exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. Women who agree that breastfeeding creates a positive relationship between the mother and the child, who practiced exclusive breastfeeding during the hospital stay, and who had received breastfeeding advice at hospital discharge were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. CONCLUSIONS The results of this survey may be helpful to policy makers and managers when planning educational interventions on breastfeeding both during pregnancy and during hospital admissions for delivery. Indeed, there is a need to increase efforts to make mothers aware of health benefits of breastfeeding for themselves and their offspring during their hospital stay after delivery. This research has the potential to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates and subsequent maternal and child health outcomes.
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