Factors Associated With Breastfeeding Among a Sample of Chinese Mothers Who Gave Birth in Ireland
Zhou Q, Younger KM & Kearney JM (2009) Factors associated with breastfeeding among a sample of Chinese mothers gave birth in Ireland. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism 55 (suppl 1), 364.
Abstract
Rationale & Objectives: The factors influencing breastfeeding rates are complex, and the socio-cultural environment has an important influence on how women choose to feed their infants. The present study sought to determine factors affecting breastfeeding practices of Chinese mothers who gave birth in Ireland.
Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional survey (written in Chinese). Questionnaires were distributed to Chinese mothers in Chinese markets and language schools in Ireland.
Results & Findings: Analyses was conducted on 236 completed questionnaires from Chinese mothers who had given birth in Ireland. Breastfeeding prevalence among the participants was 71%. Univariate analyses indicated that mothers who lived in Ireland < 10 years, had a third level education, and spoke mandarin as their first language were more likely to breastfeed (P<0.05) while father’s education level, family income, mother’s level of English, child’s order and mother’s previous breastfeeding experience were not associated with breastfeeding (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The less well educated Chinese mothers who lived in Ireland for more than 10 years could be targeted for breastfeeding education.