Infant feeding study: I. Current trend of breast feeding among primaparae in urban Bangkok and factors related

Abstract

Five-hundred and eight-six primaparae, mostly from middle income group, were interviewed at discharge from hospitals in urban Bangkok to determine current trend of breast feeding and factors influencing feeding of infants. It was found that 35% babies were breast fed, 51% were mixed fed and 14% were bottle-fed. An analysis of factors related with breast feeding indicated that breast feeding was significantly associated with mother's education, income and occupation. In addition, the major factor influencing the decision to breast feed was a personal decision usually made prior to pregnancy. With regards to reasons for refusing breast feeding, it was found that personal inconvenience was the most common cause. The result of this study can be used for developing measures to promote breast feeding. © 1982 Oxford University Press.