Prevalence and factors associated with breastfeeding interruption in children under two years of age: State Health and Nutrition Survey

Abstract

Objectives: to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding interruption and associated factors in children under two years old living in Pernambuco. Methods: cross-sectional study using data from the IV Pesquisa Estadual de Saúde e Nutrição (IV State Health and Nutrition Survey), a household-based survey, carried out in 2015/2016. The information was obtained through standardized forms applied to the children’s mothers and/or guardians. In a subsample of 358 children under two years old. Results: the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) interruption was 76.2% and of breastfeeding 61.7%. In the multivariate regression analysis, the following remained associated with EBF interruption: age range from three to six months (RP= 1.10; CI95%=1.01-1.21) and current or previous use of a pacifier (RP = 1.18; CI95%= 1.07-1.30). For breastfeeding between six and 24 months: economic class D or E (RP=1.08; CI95%=1.01-1.16); maternal work (PR=1.10; CI95%=1.02-1.18); black/mixed color mother (PR=1.07; CI95%=1.00-1.14); not having had a puerperal consultation (PR=1.08; CI95%=1.00-1.16); age group from 19 to 24 months (RP=1.09; CI95%=1.01-1.17) and among those who currently or previously used a pacifier (RP=1.40; CI95%=1.31-1.50). Conclusions: the high prevalence of early weaning reveals the need to implement policies to support and encourage breastfeeding, considering the main associated factors.