Association between Socio-economic Status and Breast Feeding Practices in a Group of Women Delivered During the Previous Year in Kirkuk City

Abstract

Breastfeeding is considered as an ideal form of feeding in the neonate. It is feeding of babies with breast milk directly from women breasts instead of a baby bottle or other container. The present study aims at investigating the association between breastfeeding practices and socioeconomic status. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Pediatric General Hospital (PGH) in Kirkuk city over a period of seven months starting from January 2016. Consecutive sampling was employed to collect 377 mothers who have children (< 24 months) in PGH. A questionnaire was used to compile the information on the socio-economic factors and practices of breastfeeding. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). Out of 288 mothers, 377 of them reported being breastfed. A significant difference has been found between breastfeeding practices and some maternal data. These include age (p <0.001), parity (p= 0.018), and antenatal session attendance (p <0.001). On the other hand, the regular visit to the PHC during the prenatal period did not affect breastfeeding practices (p= 0.296). Moreover, a highly significant association between breastfeeding practices and socioeconomic status of mothers has been shown. These include educational level (p= 0.002), occupational status (p <0.001), and family income (p <0.001). Breastfeeding has increased significantly with the increase in the level of education, family income, and being an employee.