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Feeding practice of infants and their correlates in urban areas of Beijing, China By LIUBAI LI, SHUN LI, MOAZZAM ALI AND HIROSHI USHIJIMA Pediatrics International Volume 45, 2003  Abstract Background: Optimal feeding practice in the first year of life is crucial for the survival and health of infants, and has long-term consequences in later life. However, non-optimal feeding practices exist widely. The present study aims to explore various constraints to optimal feeding practices in the first year of life of infants in urban areas of Beijing, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban area of Beijing from 4 July to 20 August, 1998. Two hundred and fifty-one mothers of infants aged 6-12 months were chosen from six child health centers in three different urban districts in Beijing. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding feeding practices and potentially related factors. Results: Feeding practice for most of the infants was in accordance with the national and international recommendations. However, the rate of incidence of exclusive breast-feeding at 3 months of age was lower than that recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) (55.8%), and the introduction of solid/semisolid food before 4 months of age was found in approximately 19.3% of the infants. Cow's milk was given to 21.2% of infants from 6 months of age as the sole source of milk or as a supplement. Maternal education level (OR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.42-4.19, P<0.05), employment (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.13-3.74, P<0.05) and antenatal nonexclusive breast-feeding plans (OR=4.10, 95% CI: 2.24-7.50, P<0.001) were found to be correlated to inappropriate feeding practices. Conclusions: The feeding practices for most of the urban infants was found to be in accordance with the Chinese government and WHO recommendations; however, non-optimal feeding practices presenting as the early cessation of breast-feeding and the introduction of solid/semisolid foods existed. Information regarding optimal feeding practices should be disseminated to mothers and medical professionals in China, to ensure optimal infant health. Key words: breast-feeding, complementary feeding, risk factor, Beijing. >> To read the full article (PDF) |
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Prevalence of breast-feeding and its correlates in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam By LIUBAI LI, DOAN THI PHUNG LAN, HGYUYEN-THAI HOA AND HIROSHI USHIJIMA Pediatrics International Volume 44, 2002 AbstractBackground: The health benefits of breast-feeding are widely acknowledged and breast-feeding is crucial for the survival of the infants in developing countries. The present study aims to elucidate the prevalence of breast-feeding and the possible risk factors affecting the breast-feeding of infants at the age of 3 months in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam after the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund launched 'the Baby-Friendly Hospital' Initiative in 1989. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban areas of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in February, 2000. Two hundred and sixty mother-infant pairs were conveniently recruited in three child health centers in Ho Chi Minh City. Mothers of infants aged 6-12 months were interviewed and completed a well-structured questionnaire regarding the feeding types of the infant, the maternal knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to breast-feeding. Results: The results indicated that although about 86.4% newborns in the maternity wards and 88.5% infants at 3 months were at least partially fed with breast milk, the prevalence of breast-feeding were 57.4 and 53.1%, respectively. About 47.5% newborns were fed with breast milk in the first feeding. The multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that the risk factors for the introduction of breast milk substitutes at 3 months of age were maternal antenatal plan of mixed or artificial feeding (odds ratio (OR) =6.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18-13.64, P<0.001) and the supplement of breast milk substitutes in the maternity ward (OR=4.30, 95% CI: 2.10-8.77, P<0.001). Higher maternal education levels were beneficial to the continuation of breast-feeding. About 18.5% mothers had attended antenatal breast-feeding education. Most of the mothers (94.1%) and families (95.4%)indicated supportive attitudes to breast-feeding. Conclusion: The prevalence of breast-feeding was relatively low in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The antenatal education in breast-feeding needs to be improved and the implementation of the 'Baby-Friendly Hospital' policy needs to be strengthened. Key words: breast-feeding, health education, questionnaire survey, social support, Vietnam. >> To read the full article (PDF) |
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