Exploring Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in Jiangsu, China.

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q3 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Maternal and Child Health Journal Pub Date : 2025-07-01 Epub Date: 2025-06-19 DOI:10.1007/s10995-025-04120-8

Qian Wu, Chintana Wacharasin, Yan Tang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants under 6 months, but EBF practices in China face significant challenges. This study aimed to evaluate EBF duration and its determinants among Chinese mothers in Jiangsu Province.

Methods: This prospective study recruited 374 mothers from postnatal wards of hospitals. On the day of discharge, a face-to-face survey was conducted, utilizing a demographic record form, the Breastfeeding (BF) Knowledge Questionnaire, the BF Attrition Prediction Tool, the Perception of Insufficient Milk (PIM) Questionnaire, and the Infant Feeding Intention Scale. After discharge, 3 follow-up calls were conducted with an EBF record form. AMOS 23.0 software were employed to perform structural equation modelling.

Results: Only 12.30% of the participants sustained EBF until 6 months postpartum. BF intention, maternity leave, and perceived control had direct positive effects on EBF. Subjective norm, perceived control and PIM had indirect positive effects on EBF through BF intention. BF knowledge indirectly influenced EBF through BF attitude, subjective norm, perceived control, and PIM, all in positive directions. Additionally, BF attitude had an indirect positive effect on EBF through subjective norm.

Conclusions: Predictors of EBF for the first 6 months were successfully identified in this study, highlighting the importance of a multi-faceted approach. To support EBF, nurses, employers, and governments must collaborate. Providing lactation facilities, time off for milk expression, and comprehensive maternity leave, along with targeted nursing interventions, can extend EBF durations and improve maternal and infant health.

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中国江苏省母亲纯母乳喂养影响因素探讨

目的：世界卫生组织（WHO）推荐6个月以下婴儿的纯母乳喂养（EBF），但中国的EBF实践面临着重大挑战。本研究旨在评估江苏省中国母亲EBF持续时间及其影响因素。方法：本前瞻性研究从医院产后病房招募374名母亲。出院当天进行面对面调查，采用人口统计记录表、母乳喂养（BF）知识问卷、BF损耗预测工具、奶量不足感知问卷和婴儿喂养意愿量表。出院后随访3次，并填写EBF记录表。采用AMOS 23.0软件进行结构方程建模。结果：只有12.30%的参与者持续EBF至产后6个月。男朋友意向、产假和感知控制对EBF有直接的正向影响。主观规范、知觉控制和自我管理通过BF意向对EBF有间接的正向影响。BF知识通过BF态度、主观规范、感知控制和PIM间接影响EBF，且正向影响。另外，男朋友态度通过主观规范对恋爱有间接的正向影响。结论：本研究成功确定了前6个月EBF的预测因子，强调了多方面方法的重要性。为了支持EBF，护士、雇主和政府必须合作。提供哺乳设施、哺乳时间和全面产假，以及有针对性的护理干预措施，可以延长EBF持续时间，改善孕产妇和婴儿健康。

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来源期刊

Maternal and Child Health Journal PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

4.30%

发文量

271

期刊介绍： Maternal and Child Health Journal is the first exclusive forum to advance the scientific and professional knowledge base of the maternal and child health (MCH) field. This bimonthly provides peer-reviewed papers addressing the following areas of MCH practice, policy, and research: MCH epidemiology, demography, and health status assessment Innovative MCH service initiatives Implementation of MCH programs MCH policy analysis and advocacy MCH professional development. Exploring the full spectrum of the MCH field, Maternal and Child Health Journal is an important tool for practitioners as well as academics in public health, obstetrics, gynecology, prenatal medicine, pediatrics, and neonatology. Sponsors include the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), the Association of Teachers of Maternal and Child Health (ATMCH), and CityMatCH.